Local Events • April 7, 2023

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

by Scott Gleason

The weather outside may give you pause. But it really is springtime here in Westfield. And springtime means renewal and rebirth. For local sheep, it also means that it’s time for shearing. If you’ve never seen this done, you’re in for a treat. The Miller-Cory House hosts their annual Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival next weekend.

What: Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023
Where: Miller-Cory House Museum (614 Mountain Ave)
When: Saturday, April 15th, 1 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $4 to $5 per person
Contact: Miller-Cory House Museum (908) 232-1776 or via email

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

The Sheep to Shawl Festival has become a favorite tradition for visitors to the Miller-Cory House. A master shearer takes center stage with these lovely sheep to hand shear just like they used to do in the early colonial days. Museum docents dress up in period clothing as well to show how colonial men and women carded, spun, wove, and knitted using sheep’s wool. They’ll also demonstrate other aspects of colonial life such as making soap and washing the laundry. Visitors will also be treated to a show of how food was cooked on an open hearth in the late 1700s using recipes from the era.

Tickets cost just $5 per adult and $4 per child ages three to 12. Kids under three get in for free. You do not need a reservation to attend the festival. Simply show up and pay a fee at the gate. It’s a fun time that the whole family can enjoy together.

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza

Don’t forget. The Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza takes place this weekend at Mindowaskin Park. There will be an egg hunt, plenty of Easter-themed activities, and even a visit with Mr. Easter Bunny himself.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • April 1, 2023

Market Update

by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • March 31, 2023

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

by Scott Gleason

This year, Passover (Pesach) takes place from sunset on April 5th to sunset on April 13th. Passover is the Jewish celebration of the escape of the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Perrotti’s wanted to do something special to commemorate this holy time of year. So, they helped organize the Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive.

What: Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023
Where: Eastman Clock Plaza (N Union Ave)
When: Sunday, April 2nd, 12:30 pm to 2 pm

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

All they ask is that you bring a canned or boxed food item to Eastman Clock Plaza between 12:30 pm and 2 pm on Sunday, April 2nd. When you donate, you will automatically be entered into a drawing for a $180 Perotti’s gift card. All food collection goes to the Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey.

JFS has provided food, shelter, and social services to the local community for more than 100 years. Their Charlotte Shak Food Pantry provides more than 400 people and families with food and other essentials each month. Their Kosher Meals on Wheels program provides those in need with a hot meal five days a week. At Home Services provides holocaust survivors with food, nursing, counseling, and simple companionship. Those or only a few of the vast array of programs JFS provides to our local community.

Westfield Area Easter Egg Hunts

Also, don’t forget about the Easter egg hunts going on in and around Westfield over the next two weekends. Scotch Plains’ Easter Egg Hunt takes place tomorrow (April 1st) at Brookside Park starting at 10:15 am. Westfield’s Easter Eggstravaganza happens the following weekend (April 8th) at Mindowaskin Park from 12 pm to 2 pm. The Easter Bunny sounds like a very busy soul to me. If you don’t want to miss him, you better head out to at least one of these events before he hops away.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • March 24, 2023

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

by Scott Gleason

Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. And our fair city is one of the places on the Easter Bunny’s list to visit. In fact, he is scheduled to be a special guest at the Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023.

What: Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023
Where: Mindowaskin Park (385 E Broad St)
When: Saturday, April 8th, 12 pm to 2 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Westfield Police Department Community Policing Bureau (908) 789-6078

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

The Westfield Police Department partnered up with our local Kiwanis Club to put together this beloved annual Easter event. In fact, all of the spots for every age division of the Easter egg hunt itself have already been filled up. However, there are still some spots available for children with special needs. If your differently-abled child wishes to participate, please visit the event website here to reserve your spot today.

In addition to the egg hunt, there are tons of other activities you can enjoy. First, organizers put together some fun games for the kids to play. Plus, there’s face painting, candy, special prizes, and, of course, pictures with the Easter Bunny. Fortunately, you don’t have to have a ticket for these. You only need to show up.

Parents must stay with their kids throughout the entire event. You may park on E Broad St or N Euclid Ave. More parking is available behind the municipal building as well.

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt

Speaking of egg hunts, don’t forget about the Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt. It takes place next Saturday (April 1st) at Brookside Park. It’s also a free event, with the hunt itself only open to kids ages eight and younger. But there are tons of other fun things for kids of all ages to enjoy…that means you, too, parents.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • March 17, 2023

Westfield Memorial Pool 2023 Season

by Scott Gleason

The weather outside still feels a little frightful. So, it might feel premature to think about swimming. But the first day of spring falls on Monday, March 20th. So, it’s not too early to remind you about the upcoming Westfield Memorial Pool season.

Westfield Memorial Pool 2023 Season

The Westfield Memorial Pool and Aquatic Center features a 50-meter pool as well as an 8-lane competitive lap pool. Additionally, you will find a dive pool, two water slides, a kids’ training pool (only two feet deep), and a zero-entry kids pool with an attached splash pad. The snack bar allows guests to keep up their energy for pool play. The grounds also offer a nice picnic area, playground, and grassy area.

Swimming provides an excellent form of exercise. Not only does it tone and strengthen your muscles, but it builds up your endurance, lowers your blood pressure, and helps relieve stress. The Westfield Recreation Department offers several swim classes from beginner to pro throughout the season. Plus, you may even reserve time to host your own private pool party for birthdays, anniversaries, company gatherings, and more.

Pool Hours

The Westfield Memorial Pool officially opens up on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023. It remains operational through Monday, September 4th, 2023 (Labor Day). Between June 3rd and June 21st, the pool stays open from 4 pm to 8 pm during the week and 10 am to 7:30 pm on weekends and holidays. After June 21st, the pool hours change to 12 pm to 8 pm during the week and 10 am to 7:30 pm on weekends and holidays.

Returning Members

If you are a returning member, you can renew your membership at the Recreation Department yourself or you may renew online here. You must sign into your account first. Then click on “Westfield Memorial Pool” near the top of the page and select “Pool Memberships”. Follow the prompts to complete the process. You have until 4 pm on April 5th, 2023 to renew your membership or else you forfeit it and it goes to someone on the waitlist. This is only available to returning 2022 members. If you did not have a paid membership in 2022, you become a “new member”.

New Members

All membership spots filled up last year. So, if you wish to become a new member in 2023, you need to put your name on the waitlist. When a membership opens up, the Recreation Department will notify you.

Guests

Starting at 10 am on May 22nd, you may purchase guest passes online. Or you can wait until June 3rd and purchase them in person at the pool. Guest passes for members are just $12 per person. If you come without a paid member, you pay $45 per person.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • March 11, 2023

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023

by Scott Gleason

Easter Sunday falls on April 9th this year. But the Easter Bunny’s schedule gets pretty full around that time. Fortunately, he agreed with city officials to show up the weekend before to host the Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt.

What: Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023
Where: Brookside Park (1225 Hetfield Ave)
When: Saturday, April 1st, 2023, 10:15 am
Admission: FREE
Contact: Scotch Plains Dept of Parks & Recreation (908) 322-6700 x223

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023

No. This is not a joke. The Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt falls on April Fool’s Day this year. This Easter egg hunt is made especially for the little ones to enjoy. In this case, “little ones” means kids ages eight and under. Dress up in your Easter finest and head out to Brookside Park. (Don’t forget to bring a basket.) Festivities begin promptly at 10:15 am.

After the hunt finishes up, the fun continues with a balloon artist, tons of Easter-themed activities, and a photo-op with the big bunny himself. If Mother Nature decides to rain that day, the egg hunt will move to the next day, Sunday, April 2nd. No pre-registration is necessary for this event, either. Just show up ready to have fun. And all of this family-friendly entertainment comes absolutely free of charge. So enjoy!

Cranford Peeps-Tacular

Don’t forget. Our neighbors to the east are hosting their own Easter celebration: the Cranford Peeps-Tacular. From April 1st to the 9th, visit the downtown area to look at the Peeps masterpieces submitted to the contest. Then, vote for your favorites. If you’re interested in entering your own artistic “peeps” vision, you must do so by March 24th. The entries with the top three votes receive a cash prize. Good luck!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Home Buyers • March 3, 2023

What to Consider Before You Buy a Condo

by Scott Gleason

Tired of renting? Want to own a piece of property instead? Does a single-family home seem like too much of an investment? Looking to downsize? You might want to buy a condo. But before you make a final decision, consider these important factors.

What to Consider Before You Buy a Condo

That’s Not Your Land

Owning a condo is like owning an apartment. Yes, decorate however you want inside. But you do not control what happens outside of your door. That space belongs to the condo association. Sometimes, your condo may not even include any personal outdoor space at all. However, if you’re looking to simplify your lifestyle, you may prefer this to mowing the yard and pulling weeds every weekend.

Easier Maintenance

Speaking of landscaping, maintaining your condo is cheaper than maintaining a single-family home. The cost of big-ticket items like a new roof, exterior paint, or resurfacing the parking lot gets shared by other condo owners in your building. Sometimes, the cost of interior plumbing, electrical, and sewage issues get shared by condo owners as well. Single-family homeowners shoulder that expense all by themselves. Plus, you never have to shovel a walkway or mow a lawn again.

HOA Fees Run High

While the actual physical labor involved in maintaining a property is off your shoulders, your HOA fees cover these costs when you buy a condo. And those HOA fees tend to run much higher than someone living in a single-family home. If your property includes tennis courts, a pool, a gym, or other amenities, your HOA fees cover the cost of their regular maintenance. Plus, you may be asked to provide an additional fee when it comes to tackling those big-ticket projects.

Neighbors are ThisClose

Again, like living in an apartment, you share walls with your neighbors. That can be a blessing and a curse. You may have to deal with a noisy or messy neighbor. But, with condos, you may also have someone living next to you that has a vested interest in their own property. This could help you develop a nice, long, lasting relationship with your neighbor. Apartment living may mean a revolving door of tenants. You never know what you’re going to get. On that note…

Know Who’s Occupying the Building

Ask your REALTOR® to help you research how many condos are occupied by the owners and how many are rental units. The more owner-occupied units, the higher the likelihood that they’ll take care of their property. Pride of ownership helps increase the chances of living harmoniously together.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • February 28, 2023

Real Estate Market Update

by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • February 28, 2023

Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023

by Scott Gleason

Easter falls on Sunday, April 9th, this year. What is your favorite Easter candy? Jelly beans? Cadbury cream eggs? Reeses peanut butter eggs? (The Reeses peanut butter egg came in as America’s favorite Easter candy, by the way.) How about marshmallow Peeps? Well, Peeps seem to polarize the Easter candy people. Some love them. Others hate them with a passion. But at the Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023, it doesn’t matter because whether you like them or not. Why? Because you don’t actually have to eat them. Instead, they get turned into fun works of art in the celebration of the Easter holiday.

What: Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: April 1st to April 9th
Contact: DMC via email or phone at (908) 709-7208

Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023

If you are interested in creating a Peeps masterpiece, you need to register by March 24th, 2023. Only one entry is allowed per person. But this is definitely something you can get the whole family involved in. Each entry gets displayed downtown for the general public to see. They also act as your judges. Entries with the most votes win a nice cash prize. Third place receives $50. Second place receives $75. And the first-place winner receives $100. Not bad for gluing a bunch of marshmallow Peeps together, right?

Rules and Registration Information

To enter, the Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular, send an email to the DMC by end of business on March 24th. Each participant will be given a specific location where their entry will be displayed. All registered entries must be dropped off at that specific location no later than March 31st. No on-site assembly allowed. Whatever it looks like when you drop it off is how it will be displayed.

Entries cannot be larger than 18″ in height, width, or depth. Keep in mind that your entry may get moved around a bit in the setup. So make sure that you fortify it well enough so it doesn’t break down. (Quick tip: glue, toothpicks, and little wooden dowels offer great support for your sculpture.) At the end of the judgment period, each display location disposes of the entries themselves. If you wish to keep your Peep, let the event organizers know when you register for the contest. Good luck!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Selling Your Home • February 17, 2023

Selling Your Home: The Best of Times – The Worst of Times

by Scott Gleason

You probably have heard that real estate is all about location, location, location. But, honestly, sometimes it really depends on your timing, timing, timing. So, when selling your home, what is the best time to list it on the market and when should you think about waiting?

Selling Your Home

Best Time to Sell Your Home

While home sales declined throughout the state last month, the Westfield area (including Plainfield, Scotch Plains, and Cranford) still favors the seller. We live in a highly desirable area. Buyer demand remains relatively high compared to other areas of the state. However, many cities and towns in the Westfield area are seeing a shift to a more balanced market. That means a healthy buyer demand as well as good inventory levels.

Also, springtime tends to be a busy time for real estate. Nicer weather brings out the buyers. Plus, many families start looking in the spring so that they can move during their children’s summer break. So, if you want to sell your Westfield area home, now is still a great time to do so. Just make sure to work on your curb appeal and price it correctly for the current market conditions.

Is There a “Worst Time” to Sell Your Home?

For us East Coast folks, winters tend to be pretty brutal. And this winter has been no exception. However, with that being said, there really is no “worst” time to sell your home. Why? Even in the rough winter months, people still look for homes. In fact, the ones out there looking tend to be the most determined to make a deal when they find one. Therefore, as long as you truly feel ready to sell your home and move on, any time can be the right time to sell a home. Just be patient. Even in a seller’s market, homes are not selling at the breakneck speed we saw 12 to 16 months ago.

If you want to take advantage of the busier spring season, start working on getting your Westfield area home ready to list now. Then, when you are ready to put your home on the market, contact me.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Westfield Sheep to Shawl Festival 2023

Market Update

Cranford Pass it Over Food Drive 2023

Westfield Easter Eggstravaganza 2023

Westfield Memorial Pool 2023 Season

Scotch Plains Easter Egg Hunt 2023

What to Consider Before You Buy a Condo

Real Estate Market Update

Downtown Cranford Peeps-Tacular 2023

Selling Your Home: The Best of Times – The Worst of Times

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