Local Events • November 18, 2022

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022

by Scott Gleason

First, sit down for a huge Thanksgiving dinner with your loved ones. Then, tackle those Black Friday sales. But on Saturday, make plans to visit the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot to get started on your Christmas decorations.

What: Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022
Where: Field Across from Stop & Shop on Elm St
When: 9 am to 6 pm Sat & Sun, 5 pm to 9 pm Mon through Fri starting November 26th (while supplies last)

Westfield Area Y Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot 2022

For more than 70 years now, the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club has hosted a Christmas Tree Lot for the community. And I am proud to say that I have been personally involved for many, many years now. In fact, the Christmas Tree Lot is our biggest fundraiser for the year. Every single penny raised from the sales gets donated to local charities and other non-profit organizations.

We offer the classic Douglas fir as well as the more fragrant Balsam firs. We even have the Fralsam fir which combines the best characteristics of a Fraser and a Balsam. In addition to trees, the Men’s Club sells beautiful wreaths and tree stands. But if you want to impress your friends and family with one of these beauties this year, you need to come to the Christmas Tree Lot early. We always sell out pretty quickly. See you there!

Volunteers Needed

Our tree shipment arrives from Pennsylvania and Canada on Friday, November 25th. We could really use some help unloading the trailers and setting up the lot so we can open up for business the next day. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please email me.

Westfield United by Light

Just a reminder. Westfield United by Light takes place on Sunday, November 27th. It may be too late to buy the Westfield United Fund’s candle kits. But, you can still show your support. All you need to do is create your own luminarias along your driveway and the sidewalk in front of your Westfield home. And, if you can spare a few dollars, please donate to the WUF online.

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

Local Events • November 11, 2022

Westfield United by Light 2022

by Scott Gleason

For most people, Thanksgiving means sitting down with your loved ones over a wonderful meal and sharing the blessings they received throughout the year. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. Statistics show that one in five adults suffers from a mental illness. So, chances are good that you know of someone with a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness stated that 64% of people with mental health issues report that the stress of the holidays made them feel even worse. Instead of hiding these afflictions in the dark, we need to bring them out into the open. Westfield United by Light wants to provide a safe space for people to discuss their issues.

Westfield United by Light 2022

On Sunday, November 27th, the Westfield United Fund invites the public to join their United by Light event. They would love to see driveways and curbs outside of Westfield residences lit up with candles. The WUF sold special candle kits that included paper bags, candles, cups, and sand. At this time, though, they are all out of their kits. However, you can still participate by creating your own luminarias and setting them out on the 27th.

Money raised from those candle kit sales helps the WUF fund its crisis hotlines, grief support, and counseling programs. They also contribute to counseling programs provided by Jewish Family Services and our own YMCA. If you missed out on buying a candle kit, please consider donating to the WUF online here. Check with your employer to see if they offer matching donations as well.

If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness, please consider participating in Westfield United by Light 2022. Let’s de-stigmatize mental health issues by showing our support. Thank you.

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

Home Buyers • November 1, 2022

Top Tips for House Hunting Online

by Scott Gleason

Hunting for a new luxury NJ home online is a great place to start your search. In fact, a National Association of REALTORS® study found that 90% of home buyers use the internet to look for homes at some point during their home search. However, this should not be your “end all be all” to house hunting. Good listing agents are excellent at highlighting the best features of a home. But keep in mind that there may be more to it than meets the eye. To make the most of your time and efforts and gather a well-rounded picture when house-hunting online, keep the following three things in mind.

Top Tips for House Hunting Online

Stay Up to Date

When you start your search, make sure you find a site that pulls up-to-date listings directly from the multiple listing service (MLS) where real estate agents actively post their most current homes for sale. Many online resources update less often or fail to remove listings that are off the market. This makes it more difficult to sort through the clutter.

Pictures Can be Deceiving

Real estate photographers are experts at showing a home in the best possible light. Many pros use tools and strategies to boost appeal, such as a fisheye lens to make areas look larger and creative editing to make colors and textures really pop. Often, though, listings will not contain photos of unappealing parts of the home, like small closets or outdated bathrooms. That’s where my final tip factors into the house-hunting equation.

See It to Believe It

Once you find what appears to be your dream Westfield area home online, call up your experienced local real estate agent and schedule a showing. You want to take the opportunity to vet the home in person and explore every part of it before beginning the offer process. Your real estate agent will help you cover all your bases and will ask questions that you may not have thought of.

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

Market Reports • Uncategorized • October 22, 2022

October 2022 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 • October 21, 2022

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2022

by Scott Gleason

Westfield continues celebrating native son Charles Addams and his spooky creation The Addams Family with AddamsFest throughout the month of October. Neighboring towns celebrate the season with their own festivities as well. So, if you want even more Halloween-themed fun, come see the fun designs created downtown at the Cranford Scarecrow Stroll.

Cranford Scarecrow Stroll 2022

From now through Halloween, the streets of downtown Cranford display dozens of cute, silly, and scary scarecrows. When you go see the scarecrows, stop inside any of the businesses located around downtown and ask for a ballot. Then, make a note of your favorites while you walk around. Submit your vote by the end of the night on Halloween. The creators of the scarecrows with the most votes in each of the five different categories win a fun prize.

Other Fun October Events in Cranford

In addition to the Scarecrow Stroll, officials created several other fun activities to help celebrate the season. On the evening of October 22nd, Jersey Central Art Studios hosts a Great Pumpkin Carve-Out. Follow that up with a screening of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 10 pm at the Cranford Theater. On October 25th, satisfy that sweet tooth with a special candy station Halloween Pop-Up at Venue 104 between 3 pm and 5 pm. Autumn Sounds fill the air at Eastman Clock Plaza beginning at 5:30 pm on October 27th.

Saturday, October 29th has been declared Ghostbuster’s Day in Cranford. Get slimed at Fire Me Up! Studio. Grab a Stay Puft s’more. View the Ecto-mobile up close and in person. Go on a Who You Gonna Call Scavenger Hunt. Then, finish the day off with a viewing of the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters” movie at the Cranford Theater.

On Sunday, October 30th, come watch the Halloween parade from 2 to 3 pm. It starts out at the Cranford Community Center and ends at the gazebo in the middle of town. That’s where you’ll find some pumpkin chunkin’ going on. Then, go to Eastman Clock Plaza for the apple pie contest at 4 pm. On the 31st, it’s every boil and ghoul for themselves. Happy Halloween!

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

Local Events • October 15, 2022

Westfield AppleFest 2022

by Scott Gleason

Ah! Fall is in the air. After the wet weather we saw last weekend, this weekend appears to offer sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Sounds like the perfect time for the annual Westfield AppleFest to take place.

What: Westfield AppleFest 2022
Where: Reeve House Lawn (314 Mountain Ave)
When: Saturday, October 15th, 12 pm to 4 pm (Raindate: October 16th)
Admission: $5 per person
Contact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794

Westfield AppleFest 2022

Westfield AppleFest 2022 takes place on the lawn outside of the Reeve House. Funds raised from the event benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital. Learn about the hospital’s history through a special presentation and slide show. Local author Fran Bovella conducts a reading of her children’s book “A Day at the Beach”. The little ones will enjoy all of the activities set up on the grounds, which include a treasure hunt, games, and even some pumpkin decorating. Grab a bite to eat at the Apple Cafe. Listen to the “Save Mary Band” perform. And all of this is just $5 per person. Veterans and kids under three get in for free.

Now, the weatherman predicts sunny skies for Saturday’s AppleFest. But, if Mother Nature has other ideas and turns those bright skies gray and rainy, the festival will take place on Sunday instead.

AddamsFest Events

Just a quick reminder of which AddamsFest activities are taking place this weekend. On Saturday, October 15th, you may take a Lantern Cemetery Tour at Westfield’s Presbyterian Church on Mountain Ave from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Public voting for favorites in the Haunt Your House Contest is going on right now. So, visit each decorated Westfield home and vote for your favorite three. Addams Family Fun Day takes place in Downtown Westfield on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. And you might want to take a stroll around Mindowaskin Pond or through the Central Ave underpass to see Addams-inspired artwork created by our own talented local artists anytime throughout October.

Bike MS NYC 2022

Last but not least, we are in our final push for fundraising before the Bike MS NYC 2022 ride takes place. As of the writing of this post, we have just eight more training days until the October 23rd ride through Manhattan. We are still shy of the $5000 goal Team Guys and Dolls set for this year. Please, please dig deep and donate what you can to help us reach our goal. Every little bit helps fight the terrible disease that is Multiple Sclerosis. Thank you.

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

Local Events • October 8, 2022

Bike MS NYC 2022

by Scott Gleason

Bike MS BYC 2022 - Scott Gleason - Westfield

It’s that time of year again. Team Guys and Dolls is saddling up to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Bike MS NYC 2022 takes place on October 23rd. And we need your help to reach our goal of $5000 before race day.

Bike MS NYC 2022

Why We Do This

For over 20 years, Team Guys and Dolls have been participating in Bike MS NYC events. We lovingly started out in support of my wonderful sister-in-law Diane. She fought a brave battle with MS for many, many years. We wanted to help her and many others like her who utilize special programs and equipment to perform the day-to-day tasks that many able-bodied people take for granted. Unfortunately, Diane ultimately lost her life to COVID in 2020. So, this year, we ride in her memory and to support others living with MS.

About the Ride

I do this ride for two reasons. First and foremost because of my sister-in-law (obviously). But I also ride because this is the only opportunity to bicycle through Manhattan without any motor traffic whatsoever. Along the 30-mile route, we get to experience Battery Park, the George Washington Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other iconic NYC landmarks from a vantage point no one else gets to see them. It truly is a ritual I have looked forward to each and every year. If you want to join us, feel free to contact me. We train regularly right up until the day of the ride.

Help Me Reach My Goal

This year, I set myself a huge fundraising goal to honor our dear Diane. But you guys have been so generous in the past. I know that you can help me reach that goal. To donate, please visit the Guys and Dolls Bike MS NYC fundraiser page here. You may choose the one-time donation option or opt for a monthly donation instead.

No donation is too small. Everything helps and goes to a great cause. So, please donate today. Thank you!

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

Local Events • October 1, 2022

AddamsFest 2022 – Haunt Your House Decorating Contest

by Scott Gleason

Downtown Westfield fills up with live music during the summer, thanks to the Sweet Sounds Music Festival. Now, fall is in the air. And October in Westfield means only one thing: AddamsFest! This year, organizers practically filled up the entire month with great events. Which one are you looking forward to the most?

AddamsFest 2022

Haunt Your House Decorating Contest

Dozens of Westfield homeowners participate in this contest each year. While only three homeowners win an actual cash prize, anybody who sees these displays considers themselves a winner, too. If you want to participate, there are five spots open (as of the writing of this post). Visit the AddamsFest website to register. But even if you don’t register your home for the contest, you can still participate. Organizers need your help in determining the winner. All you need to do is go to AddamsFest.com beginning on Friday, October 9th for a list of homes to visit. Once you see each one, make a note of your favorites. Then, come back to the website to log your vote. The houses with the most votes win. Judging ends on October 30th.

Addams Family House on Mindowaskin Pond

Throughout the month of October, a special treat awaits those who visit Mindowaskin Pond. You will see the Addams Family home floating out on the pond. In addition to the floating house, the bandstand lights up in Halloween-colored lights specifically for AddamsFest all month long.

Wicked Windows of Westfield

When you stroll through the Downtown Westfield area, take a moment to admire the merchant windows specially decorated for this month-long event. They’re creepy and they’re kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They’re all together ooky. And a ton of fun to see.

Addams-Inspired Murals

The Central Avenue Mural Gallery showcases several Addams-inspired murals throughout October. Take a walk through the Central Avenue underpass to view these incredible pieces inspired by this famous family anytime this month.

Lantern Cemetary Tours

Another fun thing to do is to take a lantern tour at the Presbyterian Church burial grounds. They run every 10 minutes starting at 5 pm. While technically free to attend, they do ask for a $5 donation per person or $10 per family. Sign up your friends and family for this special treat online here.

Addams Family Fun Day

From 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, October 16th, Quimby Street transforms into an Addams Family wonderland. Only foot traffic will be allowed on Quimby during the event. Meet Addams Family’s famous cast of characters. Carve out a pumpkin or two. Watch live performances. Listen to (family-friendly) spooky stories. And try your hand at dozens of Addams Family-inspired activities.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

So this is not technically related to anything Charles Addams. But it may be safe to assume that the Addams Family may have provided at least some of the inspiration for this irreverent cult classic. It plays for one night only (October 22nd) at the Cranford Theater. Get your tickets today.

Chatting With Charlie

On Thursday, October 27th, visit the Center for Creativity at the Rialto. A special screening of a 1981 PBS interview with none other than Charles Addams himself plays at 7 pm on the big screen. Afterward, guests enjoy light refreshments while taking a tour of exhibits at the center. Tickets cost $15 per person and will only be available for purchase at the AddamsFest website.

Family Movie Night at the Rialto

For more family-friendly viewing, come to the Rialto on October 29th. The film has yet to be announced. Check the AddamsFest website as screening day creeps closer to find out what this year’s Halloween classic selection they plan on showing.

Unfortunately, tickets for Morticia & Gomez’s Masquerade Ball and Charlie’s Ale Garden have already sold out. Better luck next year. But as you can see, there are still plenty of other fun activities in store for this year’s AddamFest event. See you there!

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

Home Buyers • September 23, 2022

When Is It OK to Waive Contingencies?

by Scott Gleason

Last week, I talked about common contingencies to ask for when buying a home. I recommend including these in your typical sales contract. However, there are times when it is OK to waive contingencies. This works in a buyer’s favor when they wish to stand out among other buyers. And even though the Westfield area real estate market appears to be starting to level out a bit, it still favors the seller. So, keep these situations in mind when crafting your offer.

When Is It OK to Waive Contingencies?

Finance Contingency

If you need to borrow money to finance your new Westfield area home, you might want to include a finance contingency (aka “mortgage contingency”). This allows you a specified amount of time to complete the loan process. But, if you pay for your home in cash, this is one contingency you can feel confident waiving.

Inspection Contingency

For most real estate transactions, I recommend including an inspection contingency (aka “due diligence contingency”), even on a newly constructed home. However, when looking at a shared structure (like this Downtown Westfield condo), you might be able to skip it. Just check with the homeowner’s association to see what parts of the structure they cover for repairs (such as the roof, foundation, etc.) and which areas the homeowner is responsible for before you submit your offer. If you have any questions, talk to your REALTOR® or the HOA.

Right-to-Possess Contingency

Many buyers desire to move in as soon as they sign their closing paperwork. But if you can afford to wait a little while, you might want to waive your right-to-possess contingency. This works well if the seller needs a little time to find a new place to move into. It not only relieves a bit of stress for the seller, but it also makes your offer stand out from any others.

Home Sale Contingency

The final scenario where you might want to waive contingencies involves your home sale. Actually, there are two ways this may work. First, sell your home and move into a temporary rental before looking for a new place. Then, there is no home sale to worry about. Or, second (if you can afford it), consider carrying two mortgages temporarily until you sell your first home. If you cannot afford the two mortgages or if you need to sell your first home in order to fund the second, then you definitely need to add the home sale contingency. Otherwise, you run the risk of losing your earnest money deposit.

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