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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Install water-saving shower heads.

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

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

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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How the "Fiscal Cliff" Could Affect Home Buyers in Millburn-Short Hills

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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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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Enjoy Holiday Fun in Millburn-Short Hills NJ!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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7 Steps to Home Ownership in Millburn-Short Hills NJ!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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Summit, NJ Farmers Market

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

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

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

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

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

Elaine Pruzon
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
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