Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
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
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
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
Home Buyers •
February 10, 2023
Priority Tasks for Your Move-In
Moving into a new Westfield area home is an exciting time. You’re probably daydreaming about decor, paint schemes, and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basic priority tasks for your move-in that you should cover first.
Priority Tasks for Your Move-In
Change the Locks
Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your Westfield area home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your property. Changing the locks can be a DIY project or, for a little extra money, you can call in a locksmith to do the job for you.
Steam Clean the Carpets
It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery or home improvement store may have them available.
Call an Exterminator
Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home. Trust me. You can thank me later.
Clean Out the Kitchen
If the previous occupants wanted to skip out on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of the cabinets. Clean out the refrigerator. Clean the oven. And, finally, clean all of the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
February 4, 2023
Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
We are very proud of our lovely downtown area here in Cranford. To encourage citizens and visitors to support our local businesses, officials enjoy putting on fun events. In October, there was the Scarecrow Stroll. Next week, they host a Galentine’s Chocolate Walk. As Valentine’s nod to the cute woodland creatures, they are currently hosting their Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023.
What: Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
Where: Throughout Downtown Cranford
When: Now through February 14th
Contact: Downtown Cranford (908) 709-7208 or via email
Cranford Gnome-Hunt Contest 2023
Downtown Cranford partnered up with the Green Thumb Garden Club to create this fun Valentine’s Day event. But you don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to participate. This gnome-hunt can happen any time you visit the downtown area between now and the 14th.
First, download and print out an official Gnome-Hunt entry form here. Then, take it with you when you go downtown. When you spot one of the five official gnome displays, write its location next to the appropriate gnome “gname”. Once you locate all five gnomes, email your completed form to the Downtown Cranford office. A winner will be picked at random from all entries received by the end of the day on February 14th, 2023.
Upcoming Property Tax Appeal Seminar
Have you signed up yet for my free Property Tax Appeal Seminar? If not, you need to do so right away. It takes place at 7:30 pm next Thursday, February 9th at the Coldwell Banker Realty offices on Central Ave. Learn how to appeal your high property taxes from an expert in the field, Jennifer Jacobus, Esq. with Jacobus & Associates LLC. She has helped hundreds of homeowners (including myself and several of my clients) save thousands of dollars on their property taxes. Space is limited. In order to make sure we accommodate as many people as possible, we need to get a head count ahead of time. So, if you are interested, please sign up today.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
January 20, 2023
Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2023
November brings single friends together for a Friendsgiving feast. Why not grab your single gal pals for an alternative to the lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day festivities? That’s what the Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2023 is for.
What: Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2023
Where: Downtown Cranford
When: Thursday, February 9th, 4 pm to 7 pm
Cost: $20 per person
Cranford Galentine’s Chocolate Walk 2023
Chocolate. Shopping. Bargains. What more could you ask for? For the first time, Downtown Cranford offers up a special Galentine’s Chocolate Walk. Several downtown area boutiques offer discounts specifically for guests of the walk. Your $20 fee includes a shopping tote, a candy box, and a passport filled with discounts galore for participating local shops.
First, talk to your girlfriends about this fun event. Then, reserve your tote online here. Pick up your tote at Anthem Style + Gift between 10 am and 7 pm from February 6th to the 9th. Finally, head out to Downtown Cranford on February 9th for fun, shopping, chocolates, and more! This event takes place come rain or shine. No rainchecks!
2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar
If you haven’t done so already, make sure you reserve a seat at my 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar. It will be held at the Coldwell Banker Realty offices on Central on Thursday, February 9th. It starts at 7:30 pm. So, you have plenty of time to enjoy the Galentine’s Chocolate Walk. Then, mosey over to my seminar for valuable information about appealing your high property taxes from the expert, Jennifer Jacobus, Esq, with Jacobus & Associates. She’s helped me and several of my clients save thousands of dollars over the years. And it’s absolutely free to attend. The information she provides, on the other hand, is positively priceless. See you there!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Home Buyers •
January 13, 2023
Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Over the past couple of years, mortgage rates hit their all-time lowest point. At that time, financial experts encouraged buyers to get a fixed-rate mortgage loan to purchase their properties. However, with interest rates on the rise these last few months, many buyers began looking at adjustable-rate loans instead. Which one should you consider for your next mortgage loan? It depends.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage is exactly what it says: one set rate for the life of the loan. Even so, your monthly payment could change depending on current property taxes and insurance rates. But the actual monthly mortgage payment remains the same the entire time. However, lenders charge more interest for fixed-rate loans than they do for adjustable-rate loans (usually around 3/4 to 1% more) in the beginning.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
With adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), the buyer pays a set rate for a specified term (typically seven to ten years). After that, the rate changes according to the rates at that time. And they could increase (sometimes substantially) every year thereafter. This could mean a huge jump in your monthly mortgage payment. And that can be quite jarring.
When Should You Choose a Fixed-Rate Loan?
Well, if you plan on staying in your Westfield area home for many years, a fixed-rate loan may be your best choice. Also, when rates run low (like they did for the past few years), locking in that rate makes sense. Finally, if your household budget runs pretty tight, a fixed rate makes more sense than an ARM because you do not have to worry about changes in the market affecting your mortgage payment.
When Should You Choose an Adjustable-Rate Loan?
Planning on only living in your home for two to five years? Then, the lower ARM may be the right choice. Also, since an ARM starts at a lower point than a fixed-rate mortgage, it makes it a little cheaper to purchase your home (in the beginning, at least). That may allow you to pay more toward your principal during the initial fixed-rate time period.
Always talk to your lender before deciding which loan works best for you. When you are ready to purchase your next Westfield area home, contact me.
Property Tax Appeal Seminar
Finally, have you signed up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar yet? It takes place at the Coldwell Banker Realty’s Westfield East office on February 9th. We still have some seats available for anyone who’s interested. It’s provided absolutely free of charge. It will only cost you about 90 minutes or so of your time. You need to RSVP in order to reserve a spot. So, please do so today. Thank you.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Selling Your Home •
January 6, 2023
Why Sellers Should Consider Getting a Pre-List Inspection
When you decide to sell your Westfield area home, there are a few steps you need to take before it ever actually hits the market. First, find yourself a good REALTOR®. Second, start the decluttering and staging process. And third, fix the things you let fall by the wayside while living in your home. That’s where a pre-list inspection comes in handy. “But, Scott. I thought the buyer pays for a home inspection.” Yes. Many of them do. However, if you get a professional inspection before you list your property, it can save you time, money, hassle, and headaches. Plus, you might end up selling your property much more quickly.
Why Sellers Should Consider Getting a Pre-List Inspection
No Surprises
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of surprises…especially when it comes to real estate. Do you really want to wait until you are in the middle of escrow for a buyer to discover problems with the house that may jeopardize the sale? A pre-list inspection helps uncover any underlying issues you may not have known about. Then, it gives you the chance to fix them.
Money-Saver
They say that time is money. That definitely applies here. Getting an inspection done prior to listing grants you time to shop around for the best price on repairs. If the repair costs come in above your budget, you may want to factor that into your list price. Keep estimates from two or three contractors. You can present these to the buyer to show your due diligence and transparency.
Makes Your Property More Marketable
Speaking of transparency…buyers appreciate that. A pre-list inspection helps buyers trust you more as the seller. If you make a buyer feel more comfortable about the fact that what they see is really what they get and there isn’t a “big bad” lurking somewhere below the surface, then they are more likely to purchase the home.
Property Tax Appeal Seminar
Have you signed up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar yet? It takes place at the Coldwell Banker Realty’s Westfield East office on February 9th. Seats are still available. You need to RSVP in order to reserve a spot. So, please do so today. Thank you.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Local Events •
December 30, 2022
2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. With the new year upon us, you may want to start planning for your 2023 taxes. I know. Not the most fun topic. But Uncle Sam rests for no one. If you have questions about your property taxes, please sign up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar hosted by Coldwell Banker Realty.
What: 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar
Where: Coldwell Banker Realty (209 Central Ave)
When: 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9th, 2023
Admission: FREE
Contact: Scott Gleason (908) 698-2630
2023 Tax Property Appeal Seminar
Have you been in your Westfield area home for a while? Have you seen your property taxes skyrocket over the past couple of years? Moving soon? Then your property taxes may hit you even harder. The lower the property taxes, the more buyers can afford in mortgage payments. That also means more price power for you! And who couldn’t use a tax cut?
Sign up for the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar being held at Coldwell Banker Realty at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 9th. Jennifer Jacobus, Esq. with Jacobus & Associates, LLC specializes in property tax appeals. She has helped hundreds of New Jersey homeowners (including me, my clients, and many of my friends) reduce their assessments over the years. And she wants to pass along this helpful and very valuable information to you for free. It’s her passion!
Seating is limited. So you must RSVP to reserve a spot. Click here to reserve your seat at the 2023 Property Tax Appeal Seminar today.
Thank You for Your Support
Once more, I want to thank everyone who came out to this year’s Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas tree lot. Our supplies sold out well before Christmas (again). All the money raised helps local charities. So, thank you and Happy New Year!
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
