We're going for unique next weekend in Montclair, NJ and surrounding towns by holding the first ever Condo Crawl. In just a week, more than 30 agents signed on to represent their current condo listings next Sunday, Nov. 1, from 1-4. We've gotten the popular local editorial blog, Baristanet.com, to sponsor us. They've put up a banner ad and a PDF listing addresses and descriptions of all the opens (check it out at baristanet.com/crawl) and local papers are also featuring the event. Our cute crawl signs will be staked in front of every open. It's kind of like speed dating for condos -- efficient shopping and comparison with a blast of availability. Anyone who's been saying it's time to downsize or perhaps to make that first move into the market will be able to compare and contrast withoug... 10/25/2009

      Located just 13 miles from mid-town Manhattan, Montclair began as a mountain retreat and artists' community in the 1900's. Today, numerous eclectic restaurants, theatres, and shops make this a ‘destination town' for surrounding communities throughout northern New Jersey.   Sophisticated young urbanites reaching child-rearing years, many from Manhattan and Brooklyn, move here drawn by the town's gracious tree-lined streets, diversity of population and lifestyles, and cultural opportunities. Numerous well known public figures live in Montclair, and many residents are members of national media and entertainment industries. The town has an excellent public schools system along with several private and parochial schools.  Montclair is home to Montclair State University, as well as an e... 08/15/2009

I found this charming and heartening video on Brendan King's blog: www.agreatertown.com/needham_heights_ma/entrepreneurs_can_change_the_world_00092685 Hope it picks up your spirits in these dreary times, as it did mine. 06/09/2009

          Montclair New Jersey is having its first ever Restaurant Week February 2-8, 2009. There are forty-two restaurants participating and all will be serving special, three course, pre fix dinners during this event. The details vary per each restaurant, so do call ahead. Participating Montclair Restaurants My favorite restaurants are on the list: AllanCorso 98FascinoMexicali RoseOsteria Giotto If you've never been to Montclair, New Jersey...now is the time to visit. The downtown area and schools are terrific. Homes have kept their value and there is easy weekday access to Manhattan via the Midtown Direct Train. Want to learn more about Montclair, NJ Real Estate?  Call Perri K. Feldman @ 973.650.4727 01/29/2009

At every party or social gathering I've been to in the past 4 months people are constantly asking me how the market is, assuming a gloom and doom scenario from me.  In my immediate market, Montclair/Glen Ridge in Essex Cty NJ it has been a bit softer and prices have declined, but there hasn't been a huge drop.  Everything slowed down over the holidays as it always does.  We really didn't know what to expect after.  But now that it's January, it's picking back up, as it always does.  We have some properties still getting multiple offers and selling over the asking price.  And they have not been underpriced.  There's a lot of young people out there that feel secure in their jobs, have good credit and down payments.  We're less than an hour from NJ with Midtown Direct trains and buses and ... 01/26/2009

I just received this link to a Xerox website that sends cards to our troops who are away from their families and fighting for our country.  I just sent a card and it was very easy.  You can send a pre-written message or write your own special message.  Check it out.  It doesn't cost you anything.  Hopefully it will brighten a soldiers day.  http://www.letssaythanks.com/ThankYou.aspx   12/08/2008

Here's a great "Green" program taking place in Montclair NJ     Information provided by your North Jersey Real Estate Team:  Jim Albano and Jean-Marie Vantuno   www.yourhomenorthjersey.com   973-256-0303 ext 218   North Jersey Condo information: www.northjerseycondos.com 12/05/2008

It must have been after my 20th home inspection when my client called me and said that the home she had fallen in love had high levels of radon.  She was quite distressed and wanted to know how to proceed.  I understood her concern. My client was concerned because of the dangers posed by high radon levels.  According to the American lung Association, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.  Radon, a tasteless, odorless gas, creates a potential health hazard   when its levels in a home are too high. For more information about the health risks associated with radon, click on the following link: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35420. Despite the risk posed by high home radon levels, my client was able to purchase her dream home after all.  To solve the radon prob... 11/13/2008

You may be able to find it cheaper at Home Depot, but it may not be worth it in the end.  The staff at American Royal Hardware (Watchung Plaza) are knowledgeable and friendly.  They go out of their way to help you find what you need.  Stop in and see for yourself and be sure to say hello from Martha! 11/01/2008

Most blocks get lots of trick-or-treaters, Tremont Place does not, October 31 disappointment, The block that Halloween forgot. No costumed draculas on a stroll, We’ve got no trick-or-treaters, Our candy still fills the bowl, We’ll be the only eaters. The car went by, it did not turn, Dashed our feeble hopes, We watched the fading embers burn, Sad sack Halloween mopes. The walks of Park Street, they are thick with kids, Going from home to home, And here on Tremont Place we sit, Six grown-ups all alone, Our kids have gone to Park and Bellevue, Gone to Mountain- Upper, No kids have set foot on this block, Since we finished supper. The trick-or-treaters on Fullerton, The goblins up on Cooper, While we sit eating our candy, In a glucose stupor. The peals of laughter, The shouts of joy, From ... 11/01/2008

On Saturday,  November 1, 2008 at 7 p.m., a panel consisting of Lisa Yuskavage, a contemporary figurative painter; Dorothea Rockburne an abstract painter; Siri Hustvedt a novelist and Rackstraw Downes a realist painter and author, will come together for a discussion on realism, the artwork of Philip Pearlstein, his relationship with his contemporaries and the world of art. The panel will be moderated by Phong Bui, co-founder and publisher of the Brooklyn Rail. For more information call the Montclair Art Museum at 973-746-5555.     10/29/2008

Montclair State University has joined forces with Montclair Art Museum to offer a conversation with Linda Nochlin on October 30, 2008 at 7 p.m., about her life and Philip Pearlstein. Ms. Nochlin is one of the most influential feminist 19th and 20th century art history scholars. For more information call the Montclair Art Museum at 973-746-5555                 10/29/2008

Real estate can get so busy that we don't have much time for our families.  My advice is to make time to spend time with your loved ones.  I recently went to Virginia to be with my mother and help her with her mastectomy.  She was so happy to have me help her.  We read books, took drives in the country and photographed the colorful leaves in the hills of Virginia.  It really helped me re-group and come back to work refreshed. 10/29/2008

Interesting article on an arts & crafts style home being built in Montclair, NJ Aaron Houston for The New York Times   Link to story: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/06/realestate/06zone.html?ex=1216008000&en=840a714d1e988991&ei=5070&emc=eta1 "   CREATIVE REUSE A just-completed Arts and Crafts-style house in Montclair incorporates pieces of old houses.   By ANTOINETTE MARTIN Published: July 6, 2008 MONTCLAIR, N.J.   THE house just completed on Stonebridge Road here was definitely built “green” — not that it cleaves to the highest standards for energy efficiency, or that it was constructed with only environmentally friendly materials.   But it is perhaps a singular example of recycling. Everything has been creatively reused here to design a new house: the site, the classic Arts and Crafts... 07/06/2008

       Bound for a Lifestyle. Bound to a Lifestyle. Consider what you want to love most about your home town and we bet you'll consider Montclair NJ. Montclair has a home to match your LIFE & your STYLE. Whether you are a single, young account exec or a CEO with a family, it's a community with a vibrant atomosphere and an eclectic array of choices for a home of your own. Choose from charming colonials to luxurious estates; or economically-smart condos to swanky New York-style lofts. With city-like living in a charming suburban setting, Montclair boasts many conveniences. It offers residents travel flexibility. Montclair has seven train stops and two bus lines to Manhattan. Residents do not need to leave Montclair to find culture, food or shopping. In addition it has two quaint village ... 06/07/2008

All of the Township Pools are now open for business in Montclair NJ. Pools are open weekends only until June 21st. Beginning June 22nd, the pools will be open 7 days per week. The hours are Monday - Friday 1pm - 7pm and weekends 11am - 7pm. Pool locations and phone numers are: Mountainside Pool (pictured above) - Upper Mountain Ave   973-783-9821 Nishuane Pool - High Street    973-746-0329 Essex Pool - 41 Chestnut Street   973-783-9821 Seasonal Pool fees for Montclair Residents are: Adult $50 Child $35 Senior $15 Family (2 adults, 2 children) $150 Information supplied by your Montclair area Real Estate Team Jim Albano & Jean-Marie Vantuno 39 E. Main St. Little Falls, NJ 07424 973-256-0303 ext 208 www.yourhomenorthjersey.com www.montclairbound.com www.northjerseycondos.com 05/29/2008

It's the season of Bloom in Montclair NJ. The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens are open and in full bloom. Located at 474 Upper Mountain Avenue in Upper Montclair NJ, the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens has been one of the world's preeminent horticultural leaders dedicated to cultivating, displaying and maintaining one of the richest varities if Iris. Established in 1927, the gardens have been drawing crowds for over 80 years bringing awareness and acclaim to the Township of Montclair. With every passing year, The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens is able to accomplish their tasks and claim pride in their work through the generous support of friends and patrons. Last year they were pleased to announce that they received a matching grant from the Essex county Open Space Trust. This year they have be... 05/29/2008

Perfect rental opportunity for the young professional who needs access to public transportation into NYC. Located at the hip Glenmont Square in the heart of Montclair NJ, this one bedroom condo rental is a bargain at $1600 per month. One block from the NYC train and within walking distance to Downtown Montclair. Beautiful unit in this great renovated former Montclair School building. It is a must see.    Beautiful Glenmont Square For more information on this rental or for Real Estate service in the Montclair area please contact your North Jersey Real Estate Team. 39 E. Main St. Little Falls, NJ 07424 973-256-0303 ext 208 www.yourhomenorthjersey.com www.montclairbound.com www.northjerseycondos.com 05/28/2008

The Siena at Montclair, a Tuscan influenced condominium village located in the heart of downtown Montclair NJ, offers luxury living at a premier location. The Siena project is a joint partnership between Pinnacle Downtown and Kohl Partners and is an attractive community for many buyers. The Siena includes 101 condominium residences offering one, two, and three bedroom homes, and 40,000 square feet of boutique retail space on the street level. Some of the more prominent businesses in the Siena Village include Starbucks and New York Sports Clubs with a drycleaners and Woodhouse Spa. All of the homes include features such as hardwood floors, granite countertops, European cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and ceramic stone bathroom floors. Each home comes with private garage parking lo... 05/10/2008

Tis' the season. No not Christmas - Spring is here and that means it's Ice Cream time here in the Northeast.                                                                And that's why it's time to announce this special promotion!Applegate Farm, Homemade Ice Cream stores, in conjuntion with their 160th anniversary celebrations offers FREE SCOOP NIGHTSEvery wednesday in May - from 4pm until 8pm - Applegate Farm is treating everyone who visits to a free JR sugar/wafer cone or cup of their delicious homemade ice cream!While you're there, be sure to sample some of their other tempting treats such as - Ice Cream Sandwiches, Bon Bons, Frozen Bananas, Ice cream Cakes & Pies and much more!After a day of home shopping with your favorite Realtor, stop by any one of the area locations and treat ... 05/08/2008