This weekend, several of our local businesses will be participating in the Summer Sidewalk Sale. Organizers put together this fun event every summer to highlight everything that Downtown Westfield has to offer. Plus, shoppers receive some spectacular discounts simply for taking the time to visit these establishments.

Some of the businesses that will be participating in the Westfield Summer Sidewalk Sale include:

American Shoe Repair & Luggage
Athleta – women’s athletic wear
The Beau Ideal – home furnishings
Best Foot Forward – footwear
Cachet Boutique – women’s clothing & accessories
Club Pilates Westfield
Fleet Feet – shoes & sportswear
Francis Henri – children’s clothing
J McLaughlin – casual classic men’s & women’s clothing
Jude Connally – women’s clothing
Learning Express Toys
Osteo Strong – strengthen bones, joints & muscles
Roig Collection Westfield – art gallery
Ruby & Jenna – women’s clothing
Sofi’s Color Lounge – hair stylists
Sole Shoes

If the weather decides not to cooperate, the event still goes on. But you might want to head inside the shops to find those special street sale bargains.

Summertime Music Festivals

Don’t forget. Scotch Plains offers up its Summer Concert Series every Thursday evening throughout July. All you need to bring is a blanket or chair. Each week brings a new act to the Alan M Augustine Village Green starting at 7:30 pm. On Tuesday evenings from now through the end of August, make Westfield’s Sweet Sounds of Summer your destination of choice. With not one, not two, but three stages to choose from, you will never be lacking for musical accompaniment to your weekday shopping. And all of this entertainment comes free of charge. So, enjoy!

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Home Buyers • July 7, 2023

Down Payment Strategies for the Home Buyer

by Scott Gleason

You probably heard that you need 20% down to buy a home. That is not always the case. Some programs only require a 3% down. If you are an active member of the military or a veteran, you may qualify for as little as 0% down. Some buyers opt to put 5 or 10% down. With all those options, how much of a down payment do home buyers really need? Well, it depends.

Down Payment Strategies for the Home Buyer

20% or More Down

Let’s say that you want to buy a Westfield area home for $750,000. Twenty percent of that is $150,000. Then, you only need to finance $600,000. That means a lower monthly payment. It also eliminates PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). This is the monthly fee a lender charges anyone who borrows more than 80% of the sale price. It protects the bank in case you default on your loan. Not paying it may save you several hundred dollars a month. Plus, the higher down payment opens you up to better mortgage rates. With rates hitting the upper 6% level, home buyers want to save where they can. However, on the flip side, putting more money down may lower or even deplete your emergency savings. It also may take a bit longer to save up for. Fortunately, you have other options to choose from as well.

Less Than 20% Down

As I stated before, some programs require as little as 3% down, with the VA loan available for 0% down. On the plus side, less money down lowers your move-in costs. This leaves more money for your emergency or home maintenance funds. On the other hand, a lower down payment means that you borrow more for your loan. In turn, that translates to a higher mortgage payment. Plus, you pay that pesky PMI I talked about earlier. While less than 20% may not nab you those lower interest rates, putting 5 or 10% down instead may qualify you for a lower interest rate than putting the bare minimum down. Also, even that slightly higher down means paying a smaller PMI per month.

Always talk over your options with your lender before deciding which down payment strategy to go with. Your lender should always be the first person you talk to when considering a Westfield area home purchase. The second person you should talk to is me.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • June 30, 2023

Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023

by Scott Gleason

Yes, we love those summer days. But the summer nights get even better. Westfield hosts their Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival during July and August. And Scotch Plains brings its Summer Concert Series to the public throughout July. Not to be outdone, officials want to welcome you to the Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair just a hop, skip, and a jump away.

What: Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023
Where: La Grande Park (170-204 La Grande)
When: Sunday, July 9th, 11 am to 7 pm
Admission: FREE
Contact: Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (908) 233-3021 or via email

Fanwood Fanjam Summer Street Fair 2023

On the second Sunday in July, celebrate summer in La Grande Park. Starting at 11 am, dozens of local vendors and craftsmen fill the park with their exceptional handiwork. Here, you’ll find leather goods, woodwork, blown glass, photographs, fine art, handmade jewelry, and more. Make sure you mosey on over to the classic car show, too. Dozens of hot rods, rat rods, street racers, and good ol’ American muscle cars will be on display that would make any car enthusiast drool with envy. Let the kids run themselves ragged in the Kids Zone while you shop. Of course, food trucks keep everyone’s belly full.

Live Entertainment

The main stage plays host to live music all afternoon. First, the festivities kick off with Macho Men and their classic and punk rock music at noon. Higher Ground continues your musical journey at 12:30 pm with their take on oldies and newer rock. After that, get down with the funk, pop, and soul stylings of The Funktown Band at 2 pm. At 3:30 pm, Christina and the Gents perform rock, pop, and metal hits. Finally, Radio Petty closes out the evening with their tribute to Tom Petty’s music at 5:30 pm.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Market Reports • June 26, 2023

June 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 • June 23, 2023

Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023

by Scott Gleason

It’s summertime. The sun shines high above and music fills the air. On Tuesday evenings in Westfield, that music comes from the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival. But nearby, summertime means the Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series is in full swing.

What: Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023
Where: Alan M Augustine Village Green (430 Park Ave)
When: 7:30 pm on Thursdays from July 6th to July 27th
Admission: FREE

Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series 2023

Located right next to the Scotch Plains Municipal Building, the Alan M Augustine Village Green provides a beautiful, lush green backdrop for many of Scotch Plains’ community activities. The summer concert series is no exception. Every Thursday evening throughout July, a different live band performs free for your entertainment. Bring your own blanket and/or chairs to enjoy this weekly feast for the ears. Admission is free but the entertainment is priceless.

Summer Concert Series Schedule

July 6th – Soul Seduction (music from the 60s to today)
July 13th – Garden State Jazz Orchestra
July 20th – North Ave (rock and roll)
July 27th – Chris Turner & Clearstream (classic country, country rock & 50’s, 60’s & 70’s Americana)

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival

Just a reminder. Westfield’s Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival takes place every Tuesday evening throughout July and August. (Rain date: Wednesday). That is three different bands performing every single week for your enjoyment. To kick the festival off on July 11th, Bradford Hayes, the Rusty Monks, and the High Ridge Runners perform live. Don’t miss a moment. Make downtown Westfield your destination of choice on Tuesday nights and Scotch Plains your “go-to” for Thursday evenings this summer.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • June 16, 2023

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023

by Scott Gleason

Some people consider Memorial Day as the beginning of summer. But the official start to summer is June 21st. And while the air quality lately may have not been the greatest, it should clear out in plenty of time to enjoy the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023 in Westfield.

What: Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023
Where: Downtown Westfield
When: From 7 pm to 9 pm Every Tuesday between July 11th to August 29th
Admission: FREE
Contact: Downtown Westfield Corporation (908)789-4040 or via email

Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival 2023

Each summer, downtown Westfield transforms into a live music extravaganza. Every Tuesday evening after the 4th of July through the end of August features different artists on three stages. Jazz groups feature prominently on the Central Ave Stage (137 Central Ave). The Quimby Stage (located at Quimby and Elm) features primarily R & B, Mowtown, Rock, Soul, and even Country music. Then, on the third stage at Foundation Park (439 S Ave W), local talent gets the spotlight. And all of this comes absolutely free of charge to the public. All you need to do is show up downtown on any Tuesday night to enjoy this treat for your ears. While you’re at it, please patronize some of our lovely local shops in the downtown area as well. If Mother Nature decides not to cooperate on Tuesday, then the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival moves to Wednesday for that week.

Sweet Sounds Line-Up

Central Ave Stage

July 11th – Bradford Hayes (Jazz)
July 18th – Mitch Marcus Quartet (Progressive Jazz)
July 25th – Joe Taino Group (Latin Jazz)
August 1st – Carrie Jackson (Jazz vocalist)
August 8th – Big Fun(k) (Funky Jazz)
August 15th – Eric Mintel (Jazz)
August 22nd – Elena & Boo Demolition String Band (Bluegrass)
August 29th – Bossa Brasil (Latin Jazz)

Quimby Stage

July 11th – Rusty Monks (Funk/Rock/Latin Jazz)
July 18th – Kolor Blynd Band (R & B)
July 25th – The Wag (Classic Rock/Beatles)
August 1st – Big Bruce & The Messengers (Motown)
August 8th – Glenn Alexander & Shadowland (Jazz)
August 15th – Soul Seduction (R & B)
August 22nd – Karickter Band (R & B/Soul)
August 29th – The Sweet Briar Band (Country)

Foundation Park Stage

July 11th – High Ridge Runners (Bluegrass)
July 18th – Valencia School of Music (Rock)
July 25th – Say It Ain’t Scorcho (Weezer)
August 1st – Higher Ground (Rock)
August 8th – Better Late (Rock)
August 15th – Twice Heard (Rock)
August 22nd – NJ Workshop for the Arts (Rock & Jazz)
August 29th – Drop the Needle (Rock

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • June 9, 2023

Westfield Water Safety Class

by Scott Gleason

The Westfield Memorial Pool officially opened up for the season last weekend. But even if you only go to the beach, you really should take a Westfield Water Safety Class. Why? Because approximately 4000 people die in the US from downing each year. In fact, it is the #1 cause of death in children between the ages of one and four and the #2 cause of death in children between the ages of five and 14.

What: Westfield Water Safety Class
Where: Westfield Area YMCA (220 Clark St)
When: Sunday, June 11th, 2023, from 12 pm to 4 pm
Contact: Rob Faggiano (908) 301-9622 ext 276 or via email

Westfield Water Safety Class

Do you have young kids? Are you at least 16 years old and plan on babysitting kids this summer? If so, then you should take this water safety class. You will learn what signs to watch out for when a child starts to struggle in the water. Also, you will be taught how to avoid an emergency in the first place. The class also includes basic CPR techniques as well as first aid training. To register, visit the YMCA’s website here. If you care for the safety of your loved ones while playing in the water this summer, please sign up for the YMCA’s water safety class and CPR certification today. This is the only water safety class that the Y will be offering this summer. So, take advantage of it while you can.

Tour de Westfield 2023

If you happen to be in Westfield this weekend, come out and cheer on the guys and girls competing in the Tour de Westfield. It takes place at the North Side Train Station from 10 am to 12 pm. Come out and root for the competitors in the morning and then finish the afternoon with a water safety class and CPR certification at the Y.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes

Local Events • June 2, 2023

Garwood Rocks Street Fair 2023

by Scott Gleason

Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st. However, it already feels like summer now. Sunny skies and warmer weather create the perfect climate for the annual Garwood Rocks Street Fair.

What: Garwood Rocks Street Fair 2023
Where: Center Street
When: Sunday, June 4th, 11 am to 6 pm
Admission: FREE

Garwood Rocks Street Fair 2023

On Sunday, June 4th, Center Street transforms into a pedestrian walkway filled with dozens of vendors showcasing their wares. Various acts perform live on the main stage all day long. Let the kids loose on the inflatables and with other activities specifically geared for them in the Kids Zone. One of the most popular events of the festival, the car show, attracts thousands of people from all over the area each year. You won’t want to miss that either. Don’t worry about going hungry. With several food vendors to choose from, there’s something to satiate everybody’s tastebuds.

As a reminder, Center Street shuts down to automotive traffic for the day. That means absolutely no parking on Center Street from 5 am to 7 pm on June 4th. Garwood Police will be out patrolling the area during the festival. If you park in a no-parking zone, you will get ticketed and possibly towed. It’s not worth the risk. Just avoid the possibility and park elsewhere for the day.

Tour de Westfield 2023

Don’t forget! Tour de Westfield 2023 takes place next weekend (June 11th). If you’ve ever watched the Tour de France and thought, “I would love to do that someday” but lack the actual physical endurance to do so, then the Tour de Westfield may be more your speed. Fortunately, some spots are still open to participate in the tour as well as the bike parade and Tour de Tricks. But you’d better hurry. They could fill up soon. Avoid the headache of flying all the way to France and spending three weeks pushing your body to its limits and beyond. Instead, sign yourself and your family up for the more local (and much easier) Tour de Westfield instead.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Westfield, NJ Luxury Homes