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
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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
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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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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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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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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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Enjoy Millburn-Short Hills, NJ with Greenwood Gardens!

If you are new to Millburn-Short Hills, NJ (or considering moving here), you might not be aware of all that the area has to offer.  One place you definitely want to become acquainted with is the Greenwood Gardens.  Historically, the Gardens were created for a private estate until becoming non-profit owned in 2003.  Ever since, many people have enjoyed the beautiful landscape and regularly-held cultural events at the Greenwood Gardens.  There are many ways in which you may explore the Gardens, which are located at 274 Old Short Hills Road.

Guided Tours
Hour-long tours are available on scheduled dates and by appointment.  Through October, scheduled tours will occur every Thursday at 2 pm and on the first Saturday of the month at 10 am.  The tours are free to members and $10 each for non-members.  Tours begin at the formal entrance and will take visitors past cultivated gardens, reflecting pools, the hillsides of the Watchung Mountains, and more.  The "less formal" side of Greenwood contains ponds and meadows full of swans, geese, and chickens roaming about.

Events
There is an event nearly every week at the Greenwood Gardens.  These range from culture and entertainment events to green living how-to programs.  Upcoming events include "Fragrance in the Garden" on Saturday, June 2nd and Greenwood's Annual Jazz Picnic on Saturday, June 9th.  "Fragrance in the Garden" is a walk through the flowering gardens with plenty of stops to sniff different types of plants and flowers.  The Jazz Picnic features live jazz music for picnic-goers who bring their own food, but are treated to soft drinks and cupcakes by the Garden.

Volunteer
If after attending events or a tour you would like to become more involved, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities.  Garden docents attend monthly meetings, lead tours, and learn to tell the story of Greenwood Gardens.  Volunteer gardeners help take care of the Gardens under the direction of the horticultural staff.  There are also administrative volunteer opportunities for those more interested in helping with office work.

Overall, Greenwood Gardens are a wonderful asset to our community and provide plenty of opportunities for involvement.  If you go check them out (or are already a long-time fan), please leave me a comment!  As usual, I encourage anyone with questions or comments about real estate or Millburn-Short Hills, NJ to  contact me as well.

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

How has your spring in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ been so far?  Hopefully wonderful.  Before we know it, summer will be here!  As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I know that this is a fantastic time of year to be in the area.  The weather is becoming more and more pleasant, people are heading outdoors, and there are so many fun things to do.  That said, take a look at a few upcoming events in the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ area:

Bird Watching at the Garden

Even if you aren't an experienced "birder," you are welcome at this event.  Participants will walk around the the Greenwood Gardens identifying birds based on how they look and the sounds they make.  Bring binoculars if you have them.  The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.  Visit the Greenwoods Gardens website for more information.

When:  Sunday, April 29th, 9 - 11 am
Where:  The Greenwood Gardens, 274 Old Short Hills Road, Short Hills, NJ

Annual Fishing Derby

This event is for the kiddies.  Millburn-resident children and teens age fifteen and under are invited to spend the morning fishing at Taylor Park.  Participation is free.

When:  Saturday, May 5th, 9 am - 12 noon (registration begins at 8 am)
Where:  Taylor Park, 78 Main Street, Millburn, NJ

Dog Adoption Event


Thinking of getting a dog?  Take adoption into consideration.  You could save one an animal's life by adopting.  This event is put on by the Home for Good Dog Rescue.  Dogs from local shelters and high-kill shelters will be at the event for people to view.  Those who have applied in advance may be able to adopt on the spot.  For more information, visit the Home for Good Dogs website.

When: Saturday, May 5th, and Sunday, May 6th, 11 am - 3 pm
Where: PetSmart, 187 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ

If you attend any of these events, feel free to let me know!  I hope you're enjoying this season in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ, and I encourage you to contact me or pass along my contact information if you know of anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the area.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Closing on your Millburn-Short Hills home

You've done your research, you've saved up a chunk of money for a down payment, you've been approved for a mortgage, you've gone to what feels like a thousand open houses and you've finally found "the one"--the perfect home for you in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ.  Congratulations!  But guess what?  There's still more to do!

Ask a lot of questions

Remember in elementary school when the teacher would say "There is no such thing as a stupid question?"  It's true.  Everything should be perfectly clear in your mind.  If you are uncertain about anything related to how the process is working, do not feel embarrassed to ask someone.  Call your real estate agent or call your loan officer.  Make sure all details are perfectly clear in your mind so there are no surprises later.

Go on a very thorough walk-through

Many clients are so excited about their new house at this point that they rush the walk-through.  Big mistake!  You don't want to miss anything in the heat of the moment.  Feel free to bring your home inspector back for the walk-through.  If you do not bring an inspector, make sure you have the inspector's report from before and check everything carefully to make sure all repairs were made.  Turn lights and appliances on and off in each room to ensure that they are working.  If something is not in accordance with the agreement, say something immediately.  You will have to decide if it is minor enough that you'll fix it yourself, or if it necessitates working out new terms with the seller.

Review the loan documents in advance


Ask your lender or attorney if you may review the loan documents in advance.  This will help ensure that you understand everything happening and will not be caught off guard at the last minute.  Many people just sign documents on the spot without reading them thoroughly so they can get the keys.  That's a legal contract--you want to make sure you know exactly what it says before you put your name on it.

These are just a few tips for home buyers that I hope you found helpful.  I have more information for Millburn-Short Hills home buyers on my blog.  If you have any further questions about buying (or selling) in Millburn-Short Hills, NJ, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Happy buying!

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

I enjoy being your Millburn-Short Hills, NJ Realtor and helping your home-buying process go as smoothly as possible.  That's why I'm sharing these home buying tips today.  There is a lot to know when buying a home, and it can be intimidating if it's your first time.  I've helped many people buy Millburn-Short Hills real estate, and hopefully I can help you too!

As the real estate market and economy improve, more and more people across the United States are looking to buy homes.  Recent reports have indicated that it is a great time to buy, for many reasons.  Mortgage rates are at all all-time low.  Housing prices are on the rise, making real estate a good investment.  Buying is actually cheaper than renting, in many cases.  This means there are many more first-time home buyers in the market than there have been in recent years.  There are a few tips that can help ensure buyers are aware and prepared for everything involved in home-buying.


Really do your research on the area
Sometimes first-time buyers get so caught up in the amenities of the house itself, or looking for a good deal, that they don't stop and ask serious questions about the location.  What will your (and your spouse's) commute time be?  If you have (or are planning to have) children, is the school district one you'll be happy with?  How close are the nearby schools--would your child have to take a bus, be dropped off, or walk?  How do property taxes here compare to other places you've looked?  Is the house near grocery stores, restaurants, shops, parks, gyms, the library, etc.?  Is this somewhere you can see yourself living five or more years from now?


Outline all of your costs
A mistake many first-time home buyers make is not knowing the full cost of buying a home.  It will be more than the settled-upon purchase price of the house.  Within the paperwork should be a "Buyer Cost Sheet," which should be looked at closely and taken into consideration of the buyer's budget.  This sheet will be given to you by your lender or possibly your realtor and should include everything you'll be paying for, such as inspection and appraisal fees, transfer fees, closing costs, and more.  Some of these fees could be paid by the seller, but that would depend on what happens during negotiations.

Get a disclosure statement
State laws vary, but in general, sellers are required to disclose information about the property to you.  Because houses are sold "as-is," you want all of the information you can get so as to avoid unexpected costs later.  Realtors have detailed disclosure forms with a variety of questions.  You'll want to know if the house you're consider floods during heavy rains, for example, or if the foundation has a crack that has been covered.

If you're serious about home buying, you'll want to do more research than this, but hopefully it provides a good start!  Please contact me about buying your first Millburn-Short Hills home so we can talk about specific details and what is best in your situation.

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Get a mortgage now for your Millburn-Short Hills home!

As your Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, it is my job to help you find the perfect home--one that is located somewhere you prefer, falls within your price range, and meets your needs aesthetically and in terms of space.  Finding that perfect home isn't enough, however.  You also need to plan for how you're going to pay for it!  (Though I do encourage you to search Millburn-Short Hills homes in the meantime to get started looking for that perfect home.)

Many of my clients--both new and existing homeowners alike--have questions about mortgages.  Will I qualify?  What's a good rate?  Isn't renting financially safer right now? Etc., etc.  I am excited to tell you that earlier this month CNNMoney announced that mortgage rates are near all-time lows, making this the perfect time to buy a home.  Fifteen-year mortgages haven't had this low of interest rates in over sixty years, and thirty-year mortgages are close behind.  At the time the article was written, fifteen-year fixed mortgage interest rates averaged 3.13% and thirty-year fixed mortgage rates averaged 3.14%.

Still on the fence?  Now's not a time to hesitate.  A report that just came out this week says that it is actually cheaper to buy a house than it is to rent.  Not only is owning a home a good investment that will pay off later, it will also save you money right now!  So, you've decided you want to take advantage of low mortgage rates, save money, and buy a Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home.  What next?

Order your credit report and clean up any credit issues you have.  Check local lenders and find who has the best rates.  If your credit is an issue, look into getting an FHA loan.  Lastly, don't forget to contact me to help you find exactly what you're looking for in Millburn Township!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Give Back to the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation

If my years of experience as a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent have taught me anything, it’s that to home buyers, education is incredibly important. One of the most pressing questions from families who begin their home search in the Millburn-Short Hills area is, “How are the local schools?” I’m proud to say that I can sing the praises of my community’s education system, and much of that is due to the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation.

As someone who has lived and worked in Millburn-Short Hills for several years, I’m of the belief that education is incredibly important. My community puts a strong emphasis on providing a quality school system that will help shape our kids. That’s why I feel that it’s wonderful that the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation dedicates so much time to putting together fantastic fundraisers designed to raise money to maintain the superior quality of education that we offer our kids. Besides the fact that I feel strongly about this particular subject, I also make it a top priority to know about the amazing events that happen in the Millburn-Short Hills area year round. In the interest of keeping my community in the loop about what’s happening around town, I thought that I’d share some of the fun-filled fundraisers that the Foundation has put together for spring.

“A Tribute to Motown”
Friday, March 9th
7:00pm-11:00pm
Crestmont Country Club
Who doesn’t love the classic sounds of Motown? This Friday, attend the fourth annual Millburn Schools Rock concert at the Crestmont Country Club and enjoy the soulful sounds of The Eturnity Band. Besides the live entertainment, you can also enjoy an open bar, amazing food, a silent and live auction, raffle baskets and a wine pull. Some of the prizes include tickets to major sporting events, Disney World tickets, jewelry, designer bags, and VIP tickets to several events at Millburn-Short Hills Schools. The largest fundraising event for the Foundation each year, this party promises to be fun and for a fantastic cause. Proceeds go towards upgrading classroom technology and providing extra training and programs. If you’re interested in going, tickets are $100 for members, $125 for non-members, and $150 at the door. It will be a night to remember, and it’s for a fantastic cause!

1st Annual Millburn Film Fest
Wednesday, April 11th
7:00pm
Millburn High School Auditorium
We have so many talented kids in the area, which is why this idea put together by the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation is so amazing. This film festival will feature original work put together by students attending Millburn Middle School and Millburn High School. This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the talents of the kids who live in their own backyards. For $10.00 per adult and $8.00 per kid in advance and $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per kid at the door, you can support not only the Foundation’s efforts to maintain the superior quality of education at our schools, but also the local kids who put so much time and effort into producing such wonderful work. Proceeds will go to providing more technology, training and programs to our classrooms.

As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent who values education, I thought it was incredibly important to point out some of the awesome events coming up that are designed to ensure that our community has quality schools. People make school districts a focal point when shopping for their next home and it’s my pleasure as a Millburn-Short Hills real estate and community expert to let potential home buyers know exactly how wonderful the local school districts are.

If you have any questions about the community, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to show you around town and give you a few pointers. I hope to hear from you soon!


Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Get Your Millburn-Short Hills Home Ready to Sell!

Due to the competitive nature of the Millburn-Short Hills real estate market, home buyers can afford to be choosier when it comes to deciding on which properties they want. This can pose a problem for sellers because they have to actively compete with other homes on the market in order to ensure that their listing doesn’t take too long to sell. As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, much of my time is spent guiding home sellers through the process of preparing, marketing, showing, negotiating and closing their property. I definitely emphasize prep-work for all of my clients because one way to ensure that their home outshines the competition is to make it look as amazing as possible during showing time.

Contrary to what many believe, you don’t have to invest in costly home updates or professional organizers to get your Millburn-Short Hills home market-ready. All it takes is patience, practicality and a little bit of time. Here are ten things that you should do to make those home buyers want your property more than the others’.

Invest a little time in landscaping. Have you heard of “curb appeal?” It’s the term that many Millburn-Short Hills real estate agents use to refer to that special something that makes home buyers attracted to a house based upon its exterior. One major element of this is landscaping! The more groomed and pristine your lawn and garden is, the more polished your home will look as buyers pass by. Pay attention to this aspect of your home’s exterior before you put it on the market!

Clean your home’s exterior thoroughly. Think about it: if you walk past a house and see that it’s dirty, would you think that the sellers took good care of it? Pressure wash your home’s siding and clean the gutters. You’d be amazed at how much better your home looks.

Make repairs ahead of time. You don’t want to wait until buyers start walking through the house to become aware of any issues and promise repairs. If you take care of them ahead of time, then not only will the Millburn-Short Hills home buyers be more at ease, but you will likely get your home off the market faster. Ensure that all major repairs are done well before you start showing the home.

Ask yourself this: how’s the front door? The appearance of your front door plays a large role in how people first perceive your property. If it’s dirty or dilapidated-looking, it will give people an automatic first impression about what the inside looks like. You never have a second chance for a first impression, so take some time to make your front door look inviting. Give it a fresh coat of paint, and make it colorful if you think that would look better.

Buy a new Welcome mat. Just like the front door, you want your front stoop to look inviting. A fresh Welcome mat will go a long way with Millburn-Short Hills home buyers!

De-clutter and depersonalize your home. I appreciate that it’s hard to let go of a place that you have been living in for so long, but now is the time to do it. The more neutral-looking and cleaned up your home looks during showings, the more likely it is that you will see offers faster. Take down all family photos and really clean up and organize every room. Now would be the time to go through and get rid of things that you’re not planning on bringing with you to your new home. This is an important step, so really scour every room carefully.

Organize closets and drawers. You may be surprised to hear this, but home buyers will peek in closets and drawers during a walk through. It’s a way for them to gauge the amount of storage space in the home. Messy closets give the appearance of little storage space, so it’s a good idea to organize them ahead of time.

Are your surfaces shiny yet? From windows to countertops to shelves, every surface should be gleaming before the first buyer walks in the door. It takes your home from drab to impressive. You want your home to have a sparkling, brand-new feel, and ensuring that all surfaces shine is the best way to achieve that affect.

If you have vibrant walls, take the color down a notch. You might love the loud green color that you have in your bathroom, but it may be a turn off to buyers. If you repaint the walls of vibrantly-colored rooms a more neutral tone, then your home will appeal to a broader range of buyers. The more broad the interest, the faster your home will be off the market.

Eliminate bad odors. You may not think anything of how your home smells, but it can play a large part in whether or not buyers are interested in your home. Odors can be an immediate deal-breaker, so take some time to use air fresheners and odor eliminators before showings. For extra measure, have some cookies baking in the oven as the buyers show up. That will make your home even more inviting.

As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I make it a top priority to guide my clients through the process of selling their home, and that includes the necessary preparation work! If you take the time to do each of these things before your first showing, I’m confident that you will find the buyer response to be positive, which could lead to more offers on your home.

If you have any questions about how to prepare your Millburn-Short Hills home for sale, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d love to help you get started. I hope to hear from you soon!


Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Show Support and Celebrate this Winter in Millburn-Short Hills!

Each time that I meet with a buyer who is interested in purchasing a home in the Millburn-Short Hills, NJ area, one question that I hear frequently is, “How community-oriented is this town? Are the people warm, friendly and supportive?” Picking a location that suits the needs of your family is nearly as important as finding the perfect home, and so it’s understandable that before deciding to look at the many homes on the market in Millburn-Short Hills, that they would feel the need to find out how family-friendly the area is. As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I am always very honest when I hear this question: the answer is yes; of course we are community-oriented and supportive of one another!

Part of the reason that I keep myself in the know about the local happenings in the Millburn-Short Hills area is because when I start telling potential home buyers what a great community I live in, having specific examples to back up my argument helps. This winter, I am proud to say that there are several events happening that are not only fun, but beneficial to the community. In the interest of helping us be the supportive and giving neighborhood that people are looking for when they decide to relocate to Millburn-Short Hills, I thought I’d outline a few upcoming events that will prove to be both fun and rewarding.

“Come Together” Gala
Saturday, February 4th
Hilton Short Hills
41 John F. Kennedy Pkwy, Short Hills, NJ
The word “gala” typically conjures images of dinner, dancing and awards, and this celebration, being thrown by the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce, is no exception. You can enjoy an evening of dining and celebration while participating in auctions that will benefit not-for-profit organizations in the area. Twelve of these local organizations will be honored with a “Major Not-for-Profit Serving our Community and Beyond Award.” The best part is that you can choose which of the organizations you want to support, and the Chamber will deduct 30% of the cost of your ticket and give it to that charity. Tickets are $100 per person, or if you have a large group, $950 for a table of ten. It’s bound to be a great evening, and it’s another fabulous way to show support for the community.

Senior Celebration Dinner and Fashion Show 2012
Wednesday, February 8th
307 W. Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the talent of the high school kids in our area. All members of the Millburn-Short Hills community are invited to an evening of dining and fashion featuring our very own Millburn High School seniors as the runway models. Tickets are only $75, and the proceeds will benefit the Senior Celebration and the community’s efforts to keep graduation activities fun and safe for all students. It’s something that’s a little different, and let’s be honest: it will be fun seeing those high school students strut their stuff on the runway!

Chamber Music & Chocolates
Sunday, February 12th
Far Brook School
52 Great Hills Road, Millburn, NJ
If you haven’t already made Valentine’s Day plans, this local music event may be a great option! Not only will you enjoy wonderful chamber music played by some of the school’s faculty, but you’ll also get to enjoy some savory chocolate treats. There are a few distinguished guests, as well, including the star of the 1994 Broadway Revival of Showboat Andre Solomon-Glover. At only $20 per suggested contribution, this interesting and fun-filled event will benefit the Far Brook School Music Department’s Music & Instrument Fund.

Not only are these events going to provide fond memories, they will also help benefit several organizations that are important to our community. Whether you enjoy fashion, music or lavish galas, something on this list is likely to pique your interest. As a Millburn-Short Hills real estate agent, I consider it part of my responsibility to publicize these events and bring our community together. That way, when a home buyer interested in relocating to Millburn-Short Hills asks me to describe the community; I can use these events as examples of our area’s character.

If you have any questions about living in Millburn-Short Hills or want to find out more about these events, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d be happy to provide you with any and all answers to your questions. I hope to hear from you soon!

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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