What Makes a Good New Jersey Real Estate Agent?

When you’re selling your Millburn-Short Hills home, it’s important that everything goes as smoothly, quickly and painless as possible. At the same time, you want the process to be successful in terms of money, closing agreements and timetables.

As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I understand what New Jersey home sellers want from their agents! Because I was recently named the top Realtor in the state of New Jersey for sales volume, I also know what it takes to successfully sell a New Jersey home.

When choosing an agent, don’t just go with the first name you find! Choose an agent that you know will get the job done. The KCM Crew recently shared five demands that home sellers should make of their real estate agent. Because I agree with all of them, I’ve created a summary here:

• Find an agent who will help you price your home correctly, right from the start. Many agents will agree to your desired listing price and then hit you with a price correction later. Data shows that your home will sell more quickly if priced correctly right away. Selling to the buyer isn’t the only job, either. The appraisal by the bank has to agree with the price, too.

• Find an agent who understands your personal needs and timetable. Why are you deciding to sell your New Jersey home right now? Is it because you found another home to move into? Is it to downsize or move up, or to relocate for a job? Your agent should do whatever she can to ensure that you move by the date you need to move by. (This isn’t always possible, but don’t accept a lack of effort on the agent’s part!)

• Find an agent that takes many challenges off your plate. There is a lot involved in the home-selling process. Your agent should be able to help you with much of it, such as researching homes in the area similar to yours, listing your home online, getting potential homebuyers over for showings and open houses, negotiating and getting all the paperwork together.

• Find an agent that can help with you relocation. Chances are, if you’re moving out of your current home, you’re relocating to a new home. Your agent should be able to help your coordinate your closing so that you can close on your current home and move into your new residence immediately. You don’t want to be caught without a roof over your head!

• Find an agent who can get your house sold. That is the purpose of you going through the process of selling, right? Your agent should be straightforward and more concerned with your home sale than your feelings. If something needs to be done, like a price change or a repair, you need an agent who will come right out and tell you. No beating around the bush when it comes to selling a home!

Like I said, I was named New Jersey’s top Realtor for sales volume, so you know you’re getting a trusted New Jersey real estate agent when you work with me. You can also check out my testimonials. When you’re ready to sell your Millburn-Short Hills home, contact me!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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5 Upcoming Events In & Around Millburn, NJ!

Did you just buy a Millburn home? Have you lived in the Millburn-Short Hills area your whole life? Either way, summer is a great time to leave the comfort of your home and socialize with other local residents at local events! Warm weather brings markets, festivals and annual traditions that you won’t want to miss. As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I’d like to fill you in on what’s coming up!

Mark your calendars for these five upcoming events around the Millburn-Short Hills area. If you attend one, leave a comment and let me know how it was! When you’re ready to buy a Millburn home or sell a Millburn home, contact me. I’ll be ready for you!

1. The Millburn Farmer’s Market starts back up this week! The first day of the 2013 season is tomorrow, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Hall on Essex Street. It’ll run every Friday at that time until Oct. 25. Local farmers will be present with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. USDA certified organic products will also be available. Want to start eating healthier? The market makes it convenient and easy to do so! 
2. On Saturday, take a drive to Primrose Farm in Morristown for the first organized public event since the site opened! Between 10 a.m. June 8 and 10 a.m. June 9, you can capture a photo of nature that holds “The Essence of Primrose.” Professional photographers will be present between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday to offer tips. Submit your photo to see if you win the photo contest! 
3. Not sure how to keep your kids busy this summer? Visit New Horizons Day Camp’s Open House on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.! New Horizons is located in West Orange and accepts children entering kindergarten through 9th grade. While kindergarten and first graders are in a traditional camp program, kids in grades two through nine can choose their own schedule from a plethora of activities!
4. Mark your calendars for the Millburn Sidewalk Sale and Stroll on June 13, 14 and 15! Downtown Millburn will be bustling with local residents during this annual event, so it’s a great time to meet new people if you just moved to Millburn. Local business will bring bargain items and new merchandise out onto the sidewalks for a casual, festive atmosphere. 
5. Love to run? Want to shape up for summer? Start training for the 34th Annual President’s Night Race in Millburn, NJ on Monday, June 17! This 5K is open to people of all ages and usually attracts around 1,500 runners. The race begins at 8 p.m. and starts and finishes at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant parking lot. Call Sneaker Factory in Millburn at 973-376-6094 for details and to register!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Tips for negotiating price on your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home

There are many components to selling your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home. You have to choose a listing price, find the right real estate professional, advertise, stage the house, and more. Today I will focus on negotiating price. As you surely already know, people don't buy and sell houses the way they go grocery shopping. The list price is very rarely what the actual house ends up selling for. That is why being savvy about negotiating the price on your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home can help you sell your house more quickly and for more money.

Here are tips for negotiating price on your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home:

Choose the right listing price
The negotiations start based on your listing price so you definitely want to make sure you choose the best price for your house. You want it to be somewhat higher than what you are willing to accept because you will almost certainly end up negotiating down. Still, you don't want it to be so high that people don't come view the house. A professional can help you with your listing price.

Don't forget to use forward pricing
When choosing the listing price for your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home, you will most likely look at similar houses that have sold recently nearby. Do not forget to use forward pricing! That means if the market value of homes has gone up 5% over the past few months since that house you're basing your price off of was sold, you need to adjust accordingly. Not forward pricing can cost you thousands.

Don't ignore low offers
Some sellers will become insulted by a low ball offer and refuse to negotiate with the potential buyer further. Don't do that! Buyers are just trying to get the best deal they can. Even if someone's first offer is ridiculously low, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't be willing to negotiate upward into a range that you find acceptable.

Let a professional handle it
When it comes to the actual back and forth negotiating, let a professional handle it. A real estate professional with years of experience will be much better at negotiating. Also, a professional does not have emotions wrapped up in the property and can treat it as purely business, which is usually for the best.

If you have any questions about selling your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home, do not hesitate to contact me.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Staging your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home for fall

Staging is an important part of selling your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home. By giving your home a makeover of sorts you can make it more attractive to potential buyers. This can lead to the home being sold more quickly and for more money than it would've gone for otherwise. Because staging is relatively inexpensive and easy to do, it is valuable and has a high return on investment. Staging your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home according to the season can be even more helpful.

Autumn is quickly coming. Here are fall tips for staging your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home:

Pay extra attention to the yard

You never know when a potential buyer will drive by to take a look at the house from the outside. If your house is listed, you want the yard to be clean and free of debris, including dead leaves. That means in fall months, raking or leaf blowing is very important. Check your yard every single day and make sure it is presentable. Also pay attention to gutters. A gutter full of leaves sends a message that your home isn't kept up well, even if it may be. Clean the gutters as often as necessary.

Brighten up the place

Ask anyone--natural light helps sell a home. There is less natural light in fall and winter. Replace dark paint with light, bright colors that reflect the sunshine to make the most of the natural light you're still getting. Swap out dark or thick blinds and curtains with light, airy fabric that lets in natural light. Trim trees and bushes that block sun light from streaming in the windows. Hold showings and open houses earlier so there is still plenty of light when potential buyers come over.

Take advantage of season-specific decorating

Don't go overboard here. Halloween decorations can look cheap or, even worse, offend certain buyers. Do, however, buy pumpkins and gourds for natural, season-specific decor. Put a pumpkin on the front step and arrange a centerpiece using gourds and flowers in fall colors. Light a pumpkin or cinnamon scented candle to provide a comforting scent that makes guests feel right at home.

Hopefully these tips help you stage your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home this fall. Do not hesitate to contact me if you want more guidance on selling your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home, or picking out a new one to buy!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Questions to ask while buying Millburn-Short Hills real estate

Buying Millburn-Short Hills real estate is probably a big event in your life. If you are investing a larger sum of money compared to what you usually spend, you definitely want to make sure you ask the right questions so as to avoid problems later. Asking questions while buying Millburn-Short Hills real estate can also help ensure the entire buying process goes smoothly. Here are questions to ask the seller while you're shopping for Millburn-Short Hills real estate:

How old is the house? The roof? The electric? The plumbing?

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you estimate how soon you will need to invest in major repairs. This is important for budgeting and could also factor into the negotiation process.

What is the square footage of each room and the entire house?

Knowing numbers related to size will help you compare and contrast different houses you're interested in. Different layouts, paint colors, and furniture arrangements can make a room feel larger or smaller than it actually is in reality. Numbers, however, don't lie.

How much do utilities cost on average? In summer? In winter?

This will help you with budgeting. Heating costs, for example, can vary wildly even for similar-sized houses based on how well a house is insulated, what type of windows there are, and other factors. Ask up front so you aren't faced with a major surprise once winter rolls around.

Have you had any pest problems, or treated for pests?

This includes termites, mice, cockroaches, ants, and more. If you do buy the house, you want to know what pest prevention maintenance is necessary and what to keep an eye out for in order to avoid problems.

What problems have you had living here?

Of course you can't be certain that the seller is telling you the truth, but it is worth asking what problems they have had while living there. Perhaps the basement has flooded, or there is a nuisance neighbor on the block. There are many things you can find out from doing research. You can find out the crime rate of the area, local transportation information, school district information including test scores, and prices the house has been bought and sold for over the years. The things that aren't public record, however, you might still be able to find out if you just ask.

Hopefully these questions will help you become as informed as possible as you shop for Millburn-Short Hills real estate. If you have any questions about buying a home, or would like to enlist me as your professional, do not hesitate to contact me!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Upcoming events in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ

There are probably a variety of reasons you bought your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home, but having a vibrant community is definitely one of the major benefits. Although summer is winding down, there are still plenty of things for Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home owners to do for family-friendly fun and entertainment. Here are some events coming up in August:

Free Oxygen Bar
"Waiting to2 Inhale" will be on site at Short Hills Mall on Saturday, August 18th, from 2 - 8 pm. They are an oxygen bar and aromatherapy company. The oxygen and aromatherapy can lead to increased feelings of energy and/or relaxation. Some people report getting better sleep after an oxygen bar experience. It is definitely a unique opportunity, and open to people of all ages.

Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
Nearby Morristown, NJ will host a Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, August 18th from noon - 10 pm. Stop by after your oxygen bar experience! The line-up is stellar, and includes Robben Ford, Rob Paparozzi and the Hudson River Rats, the Rusty Paul Band, the Jazz Chicks, and the Jerry Vezza Quartet. For more information, click here.

The Same Page Party
This event is for the single people out there. Although Millburn-Short Hills, NJ is very family-friendly, it is single-friendly, too! This event has space for 25 males and 25 females. It will take place at the Martini Bistro & Bar in Millburn, NJ on Thursday, August 30th at 7 pm. The cost is $15. The purpose of this event is for people looking to connect with someone intelligent and serious about dating to find each other. For more information, click here.

Millburn Scrabble Club
The Millburn Scrabble Club meets every Monday evening at 6:45 pm at the Millburn Public Library. Participants can play games of Scrabble together and enter into tournaments on the final Monday of each month. The cost to participate is $1.

Hopefully there is something that catches your eye in this list! If you have any favorite Millburn-Short Hills, NJ entertainment options that you want to share, don't hesitate to leave a comment! And, of course, please contact me if you have any questions about living in the area or buying or selling real estate locally. Have a great week!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Negotiating tips for buying a Millburn-Short Hills home

You've found a Millburn-Short Hills home you want to make an offer on. Congratulations! These four tips will help your negotiation process go more smoothly. Negotiating can be difficult, especially if you haven't done it before. You want to pay as low of a price as possible, while the seller wants you to pay as much as possible. Check out these tips for negotiating a price for your Millburn-Short Hills home today:

Don't offer too little

The initial offer you make frames the whole negotiation. You want to go lower than the highest amount you're willing to pay, of course, but you don't want to go so low that it backfires. Low balling can anger a seller to the point where they are irritated by you or, at worst, refuse to negotiate further.

Get to know the seller

Find out as much as you can about the seller and the property. Why are they selling? Do they still live there, or have they already moved out? How long has the house been on the market? Have their been any other offers yet, and if so, how come they didn't pan out? This information will give you an idea of how urgently the seller wants to sell and, by extension, how much they will be willing to negotiate.

Make it personal

Sellers often make the mistake of letting their emotions get involved in their home sale. You can use this to your benefit! A seller has a lot of memories and emotions attached to the home. They want to know that it will be in good hands. Send the seller a letter telling a little bit about yourself and everyone who will live in the house. Outline why the house is a perfect fit for you. The idea might sound strange, but it can help!

Get everything in writing

Do not forget to get every little thing in writing. Will the dishwasher stay with the house? What about the washer and dryer? If yes, that needs to be in your contract. Will they clean up the scrap pile out back before you move in? Make it official. You definitely want a professional to help you with this part.

Hopefully these tips help make your negotiation process on your Millburn-Short Hills home go more smoothly. If you have any other questions, or would like to enlist me as your professional help, do not hesitate to ask.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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The History of Millburn-Short Hills, NJ

Local residents know that Millburn-Short Hills, NJ is a fantastic place to live, but not everyone knows about its history. If you've ever wondered what your town was like years and years ago, this post is a good place to start. If you are interested in more in-depth information about Millburn-Short Hills, NJ beyond what is here, check out the "Links" page on the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society website. That will show you where to find specific information, such as the history of a particular house or building, or a local family lineage.

Short Hills, which is located in Millburn Township, was formed in the late 1800s. Prior to that, Native Americans such as the Lenape lived on that land. Short Hills started off as a planned community from the beginning. Business man Stewart Hartshorn decided to create the town as an ideal home for workers to live in.

Stewart Hartshorn thought Short Hills was in a perfect location for commuters. He built a railroad station along the Morris and Essex Railroad line so commuters could travel to and from Hoboken and New York City relatively quickly. Although Short Hills is still largely a "bedroom community" in the sense that residents sleep but do not work there, more businesses have cropped up over the years.

Although Short Hills is an independent community with its own train station, post office, and downtown, it does not have its own governmening body. Millburn Township is the local government that also presides over Short Hills, NJ. If you'd like any further information about the history of Millburn-Short Hills, NJ, check these resources at the Millburn Free Public Library site.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the area or about local real estate!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Enjoying Nature in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ

Summertime is a great time to get outdoors, stretch your legs, take in some Vitamin D from the sun (with sunscreen, of course!), and reunite with nature. Many people in the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ area are doing just that this season. Want to join them? Here is information on a few of the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ parks and natural areas that are open to the public this summer:

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum was started in 1923 and covers 16 acres of land in Millburn, NJ. Today, the Arboretum offers a peaceful respite from the urban world. Walk on miles of trails and witness a variety of plants and animals. The Arboretum is an official monarch butterfly tagging site as well as an official milkweed and butterfly observation site. The Arboretum is known for having over 100 species of birds within it and 275-year-old tulip trees. The grounds are open during daylight hours year-round. An education center is also available to the public and is open on weekdays from 9 am - 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am - 3 pm. For more information, click here.

Greenwood Gardens
The Greenwood Gardens are a local favorite in Short Hills. These public gardens cover 28 acres and include a variety of gardens, meadows, woodlands, and pastures. The Greenwood Gardens is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a perfect place to find peace in nature. The Gardens are also great for learning about conservation and historic preservation. The Gardens were privately owned for over a century, until becoming a non-profit organization in 2003. There are tours available as well as scheduled events. If you enjoy yourself, consider becoming a volunteer. For more information on the Gardens, click here.

Gero Park
Although Gero Park--located in Millburn--is more suited for recreation than nature-watching, it is large and has some green space. It is a nice park open to the public with spots for picnics--a perfect place for the family to sit outside while enjoying lunch. In addition, Gero Park has a playground, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts, a street hockey rink, and a swimming pool. It's an ideal place to bring kids during the summer. For more information, click here.

Hopefully you are enjoying summer to the fullest in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ and these recommendations will only help you enjoy it even more! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the area or are interested in buying or selling real estate locally.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Save money on moving into your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home

Congratulations on closing on your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home! Buying a new house is a very exciting part of life. Moving into the new home, however, can be frustrating and stressful. Most people are looking to save money at this time since they've just made such a large purchase. Follow these tips in order to save money on your move to Millburn-Short Hills, NJ.

Move during an off-peak time


Most moves occur between March and October. If there is any way you can move during the off-peak season, you will save money on moving costs. Renting moving vans is often cheaper during this time. If you go with a moving company, don't hesitate to try and negotiate prices during off-peak times. If their business is slow, they might provide additional discounts off of listed prices. If you can't move during off-peak season, consider moving during the middle of the month. Even during peak moving months, most people move in either the very first few days or very last few days of the month. If you can move the second or third week you might be able to save money.

Move fewer things


Don't make the mistake of moving everything hurriedly and then sorting through your belongings after they're in the new space. It doesn't make sense to pay to move things that you don't plan on keeping! Moving is the ideal time to sort through your possessions one-by-one, asking yourself, Do I use this often enough to keep it? Do I really like it? Sell items of value on ebay or in a garage sale to make some spare cash. Donate or throw out the remaining items based on the condition they're in. Don't forget that donated items can be written off during tax time. Save receipts!

Do not buy boxes or packing materials


Depending on how much you have to move, moving materials can costs several hundred or even over one-thousand dollars. Save on those unnecessary costs by planning ahead and stocking up on cardboard boxes and packing materials ahead of time. Ask friends and neighbors to donate boxes they are not currently using. Stop by local grocery and retail stores and ask them to save cardboard boxes for you. (Be sure to tell them you only want ones that close.) Instead of buying packing peanuts, use newspaper. If you don't have a subscription, ask a friend or neighbor to hold onto theirs for a few weeks for you. You can also be creative about packing your fragile items. A bath towel or t-shirt can keep that china safe just as well as butcher paper sold by a moving agency.

Hopefully these tips help you save money on your upcoming move to Millburn-Short Hills, NJ. If you have any other questions about moving, buying or selling real estate, or the local community, do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome to the area!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Upcoming events in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ!

Happy Fourth of July!  I hope it's a great one.  The fun in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ doesn't stop there, however.  There are many exciting events coming up over the next few days.  Check them out!

Full Moon Hike at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Friday, July 6th, 7:30 pm
Did you know Friday is a full moon?  Celebrate by spending time outdoors, getting exercise, and meeting new people on this hike at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.  This area is usually off-limits to the general public, so everyone on the hike will be getting quite a treat!  Click here to register.  The price is $10 and the hike is open to the first twenty people who sign up.  The refuge is located in Basking Ridge, NJ and the hike will end at 9 pm.


Guided Tour of Greenwood Gardens
Saturday, July 7th, 10 am
These guided tours are available once per month during warmer months, from May to October.  Tour guides share Greenwood Gardens' history while walking you through the beautiful gardens full of plants and flowers.  The cost is free to Greenwood Gardens members and $10 to the general public.  Reservations are recommended.  For more information, click here.


Summer Concert Series at Taylor Park
Sunday, July 8th, 7 pm
Every other week, Millburn Township is putting on a concert in Taylor Park.  Each concert is free and features oldies music.  On July 8th, the musical entertainment will be provided by New Jersey's number one oldies band, Reminisce.  Ice cream and refreshments will be sold.  For more information, click here (pdf).

I hope you're having a fantastic summer this far and really enjoying all that the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ area has to offer.  If you have any questions about our community or about real estate, do not hesitate to contact me.  Once again, Happy Fourth of July!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Tips for finding your Millburn-Short Hills home

You know you want to move into a Millburn-Short Hills home, but aren't sure where to start.  There are many things to take into consideration.  Do you want a condominium or single family home?  Which neighborhood is the best for you?  What style of home best suits your needs?  The options can be overwhelming!  Here are tips that can help make your home search easier to handle.

Calculate your budget
Calculating a budget before starting your home search is a good idea.  There is no point in looking at homes that are not in your price range--that will only set you up for disappointment.  When figuring out a budget, take into consideration how much money you have to put for a down payment and how much you can afford for monthly payments.  Don't figure to also figure in regular home maintenance and property taxes.  Your budget should be something you can make comfortably, not something you can only handle if everything goes perfectly.

Pick the towns and neighborhoods you'll consider
Narrowing down your choice by neighborhood will help a lot and keep you from feeling torn after you find the "perfect" house that just isn't located in a place you like.  Each location has its pros and cons, so think carefully about what is most important to you.  For example, maybe you are only willing to move somewhere that falls within a 30-mile radius of your work or is within a certain school district.

Determine the house type you want
Do you want a single family home, or would you prefer a multi-family home such as a condo?  The answer to this will depend quite a bit on your stage in life and your lifestyle.  Seniors and young professionals, for example, often prefer condos because it saves them the trouble of lawn care and many issues of home maintenance.

Make a list of home necessities
Write a short list of necessities for the home you want.  This isn't a wish list--it's a list of "must haves" and you will only consider homes that meet your criteria.  Maybe your ideal home must have three bedrooms, a backyard, and space for a dishwasher.  This will save you time.  If you know you are not willing to live somewhere that has less than three bedrooms, you won't waste time looking at homes that will never work for you.

Hopefully these tips help put you on the right track as you search for that ideal Millburn-Short Hills home.  If you want the help of a professional, do not hesitate to contact me.  Have a good week!


Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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The Downtown Millburn, NJ Farmers Market

Friday, June 8th marked the seasonal opening of the Downtown Millburn, NJ Farmers Market.  The farmers market is located in the Essex Street Municipal Lot and will run every Friday until October 19th.  Farmers markets are on the rise and allow people to enjoy food native to their region.  Many people seek out local food in order to know where their food is coming from and support the local economy.

The Downtown Millburn, NJ Farmers Market is open from 8 am to 3 pm every Friday.  There you can find organic, locally-grown produce for sale, gourmet chefs doing demonstrations and providing tastings, local community organizations such as the Millburn Library giving out information, and more.  Here is a small sampling of who you can expect to find at the farmers market:

Alstede Farms
Alstede Farms is located in Chester, NJ.  They come each week selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Berries are popular items in the month of June and they currently have strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, and blueberries.

Dr. Pickle 
Dr. Pickle is New Jersey company that sells "the best pickle and pepper products" on the market.  They also sell pickled green tomatoes, giardiniera, marinated mushrooms, olives, sauerkraut, and more.

Paolo's Kitchen
Paolo's Kitchen serves up their healthy, home-cooked Italian meals every week.  Enjoy their handmade ravioli, mozzarella, and more.

There are several more vendors in addition to these three examples.  If you have not yet been to the Downtown Millburn, NJ Farmers Market, I recommend it.  Also, feel free to contact me with any questions about the community, or about buying or selling homes in the area.  Have a great week and happy first day of summer!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Cleaning up your credit before buying in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ

One of the very first steps in home buying is cleaning up your credit.  Without good credit, you won't qualify for a good loan.  Without a good loan, you might not be able to buy the house of your dreams.  Cleaning up your credit before finding the home you want to buy is the way to go.  That way you can figure out an accurate budget and there won't be any last-minute surprises or obstacles when closing on a home.  Here on tips on cleaning up your credit before buying a home in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ:

Order a credit report and correct any mistakes
Everyone is entitled to free credit reports from the three major credit agencies on an annual basis.  Click here to request yours.  Once you've received the reports, comb them for any inaccuracies.  Even something small such as an old credit limit on a card can affect your score.  Remember, you may also request to have anything over seven years old removed from your report.  That includes late fees, cards you've closed, and accounts that went to collections.

Pay off anything in collections
Having something in collections hurts your credit score big time.  Pay off any outstanding debts you have immediately.  Call and try to negotiate paying a lower price if you pay immediately, in full.  Sometimes creditors will remove the debt for half of its worth if they are worried they won't get any payment otherwise.  Shortly after paying off outstanding debts, obtain your credit reports again and make sure they have been updated.

Ask for an increased credit limit
An increased credit limit will give you a better debt-to-credit ratio and that is taken into consideration when developing your credit score.  Basically, you want to have much more credit available to you than what you are currently using.  Call current credit card companies and ask for an increased limit.  Don't put more debt on the credit card, however, because then your ratio will stay the same!

Practice good habits now
If your credit history has some blemishes that you can't remove yet because they aren't over seven years old, just relax and do the best you can now.  Pay all of your overdue accounts and bring them up to date so they are current as soon as possible.  From now on, make sure to pay every bill on time.  A credit history that has some rocky parts, but shows improvement in recent months can still be used to obtain a loan.

Hopefully these tips will help you clean up your credit score so you can get the mortgage and the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ house that you want!  If you have any questions whatsoever about local real estate or the community, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Celebrating Father's Day in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ

Father's Day will be here soon, on Sunday, June 17th, 2012.  Each year the national holiday is held on the third Sunday of the month in the United States and many other countries.  Celebrated around the world, Father's Day is an opportunity to celebrate fatherhood and the contribution dads make to society.  Do you know how you're going to celebrate Father's Day in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ yet?

Going out to eat is probably the most popular Father's Day tradition.  Thankfully, Millburn-Short Hills, NJ offers many local restaurant options so there is no need to travel far.  Here are a few choices for you to consider as you plan ways to show the dad in your life how much he means to you:

Cafe Luna
Cafe Luna is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Millburn that specializes in Northern Italian cuisine.  They offer a brunch menu in addition to lunch and dinner options.  They offer a wide variety of unique entree options, from sauteed mussels with chorizo (Cozze e Chorizo) to rabbit casserole in hunter sauce (Coniglio).  The prices are also extremely reasonable, so you won't have to worry about breaking the bank.

Millburn Delicatessen 
Known more popularly as the Millburn Deli, this delicatessen has been serving loyal neighborhood customers since 1946.  You know the food is good when an establishment sticks around for that long!  They offer hundreds of sandwich choices, including subs, panini, and sloppy joes, and more.  Dad will enjoy the food and, if it's a nice day, taking advantage of the outdoor seating in order to enjoy the weather, too.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant
If you'd prefer going someone a little fancier to celebrate Father's Day, Sakura Japanese Restaurant is for you.  Sakura features a sushi bar full of high-quality sushi of all types.  Not into raw fish?  Don't worry--they also have a wide menu of Asian fusion entrees from tempura to noodle dishes to grilled chicken and fish.

If you check out any of these Millburn-Short Hills, NJ restaurants, I'd love to hear about it!  I like staying on top of local culture and entertainment so I also encourage you to contact me if you have any tips on new hot spots in the area.  As always, feel free to contact me if you have questions about buying or selling real estate locally, or the community in general.  Happy Father's Day!


Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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