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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New Exhibits at the Newark Museum in Newark, NJ

Many new exhibits opened today in Newark, NJ! For those of you who have already been to the Newark Museum, you know that all of their exhibits are interesting and of a high quality. For those who have not been to the Museum, schedule a visit! It is one of the artistic treasures of Newark, NJ and is very near to Millburn-Short Hills, NJ. It's worth making the short trip for a fun afternoon. Three new exhibits that will be sure to delight Millburn-Short Hills, NJ home owners opened today. Here is more information about them:

Angels and Tomboys

This traveling exhibit explores "girlhood in 19th century American art." It includes paintings, photographs, sculpture, and more. The collection includes about eighty works of art, which will be in the museum until January 6th, 2013. Featured artists include Thomas Eakins, William Merritt Chase, Cecila Beaux, and more. For more information, click here.

Re-Activating Chinese Antiquities

This exhibit features ceramics from China and created during seven different dynasties from second century BC to the present. This exhibit will help explain how China became synonymous with ceramics in the art world. A variety of techniques and materials will be on display, including porcelain, earthenware, stoneware, and glazes. For more information, click here.

In Her Eyes

"In Her Eyes" is a celebration of "Women behind and in front of the camera," which means it is a collection of photography taken by female photographers, with female subjects. These photos are drawn from the museum's collection, and many have never before been on display. Artists include Cindy Sherman, Sally Mann, Dorothea Lange, and more. For more information, click here.

Hopefully you check out this great artistic resource that is so close to Millburn-Short Hills, NJ! The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, 12 noon - 5 pm. Adult entry costs $10 for non-members.

If you have any questions about fun day trips that can be taken from Millburn-Short Hills, NJ, do not hesitate to contact me! The same goes for if you need any real estate-related help. Have a great week!

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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Dogs in Summit, NJ

Not only is the Summit, NJ area family-friendly, it is also extremely canine-friendly! If you have a dog, you should be glad you are a Summit, NJ home owner. There are many doggie resources right here in town. Check them out!

Briant Park

Briant Park is a popular park for dog walking. Additionally, people come here to walk, jog, grill, have a picnic, or just relax. Briant Park is located at Springfield Avenue and Briant Parkway in Summit, NJ. There are grassy areas and a pond. Dogs have to remain on-leash in this park.

South Mountain Dog Park

South Mountain Dog Park is the nearest off-leash dog park and it is located in Maplewood, NJ. This dog park has designated areas for both large and small dogs, so each type may run around and play freely off-leash with other dogs around their size. There is doggie playground equipment and the dog areas do not get muddy so you don't have to worry about taking home a messy dog at the end of the day. There are also trails for on-leash dog walking.

Summit Dog & Cat Hospital

Summit Dog & Cat Hospital is located at 16 Morris Turnpike in Summit, NJ. This is a highly-rated pet hospital. They provide a variety of services ranging from diagnostic to surgery to dentristy and beyond. This is much more than just a veterinarian, however. You may also board your dog here while you go on vacation, or bring your dog here for bathing and grooming. For more information, click here.

The Grooming Room

If you would like to take your dog to a place that specializes in groom, The Grooming Room is available in nearby Millburn, NJ. The Grooming Room is located at 156 Spring Street. This groomers has been around since 1977 so you know you're in good hands. In addition to basic bathing and grooming, they also do hand scissoring for specific breeds in order to groom them according to AKC breed standards. For more information, click here.

Hopefully these resources help you and your dog better enjoy Summit, NJ! If you have any questions about the area or about buying or selling local real estate, please contact me!


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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