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Westfield, NJ Real Estate News

By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
When we stop moving, we stop living. As a supporter of an active lifestyle, I love cycling. Riding around my Westfield neighborhood helps me truly appreciate our lifestyle here. Unfortunately, we also know that some people aren't physically able to ride. My sister-in-law, Diane, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis several years ago. So, we've seen the ravages this places on a person's body and mind first hand. That's why Team Guys & Dolls signed up for Bike MS NYC 2018.Bike MS NYC 2018 - Team Guys & Dolls The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides support and education for individuals afflicted with MS as well as their families. They are also the leading fundraiser for MS research in the country. Riding for them again is an honor and a privilege. Besides, who can pass up an oppo...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
New home construction in the Westfield luxury real estate market is a hot commodity. Many buyers want to completely customize their home without the hassle of a messy remodel. A new home build allows them to do that. To avoid problems and reduce your stress, follow these tips for managing your new home construction in Westfield.Managing Your New Home Construction in WestfieldOnly the Best Will Do When building a luxury new home, don't skimp on the construction firm you hire. Just because they cost the most doesn't necessarily mean they're the best, though. Check their credentials. Ask to see photographs of their most recent projects. Talk to several firms before you decide which one to hire for your new home construction in Westfield.Create Your Wish ListSetting your ideas down on paper...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Are you considering putting your home up for sale? As we head into fall, the ways to market it may change slightly from how you would have marketed your Westfield home in the summer. We all understand how important curb appeal can be to lure in potential buyers. Proper home staging is also crucial to a successful sale. And, of course, you want to hire the best Westfield REALTOR® to take care of all of your needs. But there are a few lesser known yet extremely important home selling tips you should also focus on.Home Selling Tips: Tasks You Need to Do Right NowMarket to Millennials The first of my home selling tips is to pay attention to millennials. Buyers ages 20 to 37 made up more than one-third of the real estate market across the country last year. So, don't overlook the importance ...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Advances in technology have helped make our lives much easier. Computers used to take up entire rooms. Today, we hold a world of information in the palm of our hand. Westfield buyers of all ages look for properties that include smart-home features. If these features already come installed in the home, they won't have to install them later. But which smart-home features do buyers look for the most?Smart-Home Features Westfield Buyers WantHeating and Air Smart thermostats rank high on the list smart-home features today's Westfield buyer looks for when searching for their next house. While just about everyone wants to lower their electrical usage, this proves especially popular among younger homeowners. Turn the temperature up when the last person leaves your house during the summer. Then,...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Now is a great time to put your home on the market. But before you do, survey your home for areas that need improvement first. Here are a few Westfield home repairs you should focus on before you list.Westfield Home Repairs: What to Fix Before You ListFlooring One of the first things a buyer sees when they walk through your door is the floors. Concentrate your Westfield home repair efforts on ensuring they look good. Conduct a good steam cleaning of all carpeting throughout your Westfield home. If your carpet still appears shabby, you might want to consider replacing it. Buyers love wood flooring. However, they don't love scuff marks, dings, or scratches. A good scrubbing and waxing should be enough. You might want to refinish or replace your floors if the stains and dings are significa...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Now is a busy time in the Westfield luxury real estate market. Sometimes, sellers receive several offers at one time. This is definitely a nice problem to have. When evaluating an offer, other options besides money factor into accepting or rejecting it.Evaluating an Offer: It Isn't Always About the MoneyContingencies Most real estate transactions include contingencies of one sort or another. Typical contingencies include a home inspection, clearing the title, appraisal, financing, and sale of the buyer's current home. When evaluating an offer, one with fewer contingencies attached looks more attractive, even if the offer comes in lower. Unless they offer substantially more than the list price, a buyer with a laundry list of requests might not be worth the hassle.All-Cash OffersWith all-...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Summertime proves to be a busy time in the real estate market. The Westfield Area Market Report for July 2018 showed that to be true. Buyers love newly constructed homes, with several properties spending less than 30 days on the market before going under contract. Inventory's up 39%. But that hasn't quelled buyer demand.Westfield Area Market Report - July 2018Active Westfield Luxury Homes for Sale According to the Garden State MLS, 31 Westfield area luxury homes are currently for sale. Newly constructed homes make up 14 of the total active listings. These include two colonials currently being built by FBE Construction. NCN Properties also has two colonials under construction. There's a new north side colonial available as well. And Elsheikh Custom is building another colonial. Four prop...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Thinking about selling your Westfield home? If so, you might want to do it sooner rather than later. Currently, we're enjoying a seller's market. Buyers want luxury Westfield homes. Demand runs high, especially during the summer. Therefore, now is a great time to put your home on the market.Westfield Home Seller Tip: Best Time to Sell According to national statistics, August is the best month to list your home. While some luxury Westfield homes sell within 30 days, others may take longer. If you list now, you are more likely than not going to be celebrating the holidays at a new address. In fact, you may even be able to move on to a new home before school starts in the fall. But you'll need to list it soon to take advantage of the throng of buyers on the market. Also, statistics show th...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
First impressions matter, especially when trying to sell your Westfield home. Attention needs to be focused on your home's exterior as well as its interior. A few changes make a huge difference and won't cost you an arm and a leg. These simple projects increase curb appeal as well as your home's value. And any of them can be finished over the course of a weekend.Simple Projects to Increase Curb Appeal and Home ValueGive Your Exterior a Face Lift Is your Westfield home's exterior looking a little tired? Increase your curb appeal by refreshing a few basics. Replace the concrete walkway with a beautiful curving stone path. Add a couple flowering bushes and plant beautiful blooming flowers. Use mulch to cover your flower bed instead of ugly dirt. Install flower boxes on windows or porch rai...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
When selling your Westfield home, you might want to think about your favorite luxury hotel. High-end fixtures. Gorgeous views. Plush bedding. All of this screams opulence and keeps you coming back for more. Why not use luxury hotel design inspirations when staging your Westfield home? Instead of selling four walls and a ceiling, show buyers the lifestyle they'll enjoy once your home becomes theirs.Luxury Hotel Design Inspirations for Your Westfield Home StagingEntryway First impressions last. There's a reason luxury hotels focus so much attention on their lobbies. For your Westfield home, take hotel design inspirations from luxury lobbies into your entryway. Fresh flowers in decorative vases invite potential buyers inside. If possible, add a pretty bench with luxe throw pillows. Update ...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Westfield summers are hot in more ways than one. We've been under a heat advisory several times over the past week alone. High temperatures make house hunting uncomfortable for many people. Furthermore, people tend to go on vacation or head to the beach in their free time more often at this time of year. But you want your home sold now. Heed these tips for selling your Westfield home in the summertime and you'll be setting a SOLD sign in your yard in no time.Tips for Selling Your Westfield Home in the SummerChange Up Open House Times Usually, open houses take place over the weekend. After all, that's when people tend to have the most available free time. However, during the summer, many Westfield residents head out of town. Instead of a Saturday or Sunday afternoon open house, change it...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Homeowners tend to attach far too much sentimental value to their homes. They can't separate feelings from a home's monetary value. Thus, it proves difficult to decide whether your property could stand up to the scrutiny of potential buyers. That's when you need to seek advice from outside sources. But where do you go to get honest advice when selling your Westfield home?Whose Opinions Matter Most When Selling Your Westfield Home?Real Estate Agents When it comes to selling your Westfield home, a real estate agent provides perhaps the most informed opinion of what improvements you should make before putting your home on the market. They're in the trenches every day. They personally see what buyers are looking for on a daily basis. What's on trend? What parts of a home do buyers value mos...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
First, New Jersey Monthly put Westfield on its most recent "Best Places to Live in New Jersey" list. Then, Niche.com ranked it #10 on its list of "Best Places to Live in New Jersey" list earlier this year. Now, Westfield NJ graces the cover of AARP magazine's "Where We Live". It appears that others are discovering what residents of our fair city have known for years. Westfield offers a wonderful place to put down your roots.Photo by @Donald SianoWhy AARP Featured Westfield on Its Cover "Where We Live" spotlights unique ways cities across the country have enhanced their communities. AARP chose a picture of last year's parklet in Downtown Westfield for its cover. They found it to be a beautiful example of an innovative use of community space. AARP also noted that Westfield provides a luxu...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
You put your Westfield home on the market weeks ago. Buyers stopped by in the beginning. But the steady stream of visitors has dwindled down to a slow trickle. This shouldn't happen. You've got a great house that buyers should love. So, why hasn't it sold yet?Westfield Home Sale "Don'ts"Pricing Based on Feelings, Not Facts One of the biggest culprits for a stagnant listing is the price. Even a Westfield home with the finest amenities won't sell if the price is too high. Table your feelings for now. This is business. It's not personal. Ask your Westfield REALTOR® to run comps on the recently sold homes in your area (within the last 30 days). Find ones similar in age, style, and amenities to your own home. This gives you an idea of what buyers are currently paying. Then, price your home a...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
New construction is a hot commodity in the luxury Westfield marketplace. To keep up with newly built homes, many homeowners opt to renovate their older home before they sell. Tearing down walls to create a more open floor plan and updating the kitchen for today's modern lifestyle may be a great idea. But don't get rid of everything. Today's Westfield home renovation tip is important for owners of older homes. Some of the features original to your house should never be thrown out, covered up or replaced unless they are absolutely beyond repair.Westfield Home Renovation Tip: "Must Keep" Original FeaturesHardwood Floors Buyers love to see these two words when looking at a Westfield home: original hardwoods. Modern construction rarely incorporates traditional hardwood flooring anymore. When...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The Westfield Area Market Report showed a lot of activity in the luxury market last month. A significant amount of active listings entered the market in just the last 30 days alone. Garden State MLS (GSMLS) stated that inventory levels rose 55% from last year. In spite of the influx of active listings, prices continue to go up. Learn all about what's been happening in the Westfield real estate market below.Westfield Area Market ReportActive Westfield Luxury Homes for Sale The GSMLS reported a total of 50 active luxury Westfield homes for sale in May 2018. This included a lovely split-level home located at 834 Fairacres. Contact me for a personal tour. Nineteen of these properties are new construction. Twenty-three homes just went up for sale in the last 30 days. Nine of them hit the mar...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
This Monday, we honor all the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Memorial Day goes back to Civil War times, when it was known as Decoration Day. However, it didn't become an official holiday until 1971. Come show your respect for our service members at the 2018 Westfield Memorial Day parade and service this year.What: 2018 Westfield Memorial Day Parade & Service Where: Veterans Memorial Monument (service), E Broad St to Fairview Cemetery (parade) When: Monday, May 28th, 9 am Contact: Stan Cuba (908) 233-27672018 Westfield Memorial Day Parade & Service The day's events start out at the Veteran's Memorial Monument promptly at 9 am. Here, Chaplain Bob D'Arecca opens the ceremony with a prayer and benediction. Local singer Kerry Stubbs sings "God ...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
As you are probably aware, buyers love new luxury construction. If you own an older home, you'll be competing with newer homes for buyers' attention. To attract these buyers, you may need to make a few updates. But that doesn't always mean digging deep into your pockets or spending weeks to renovate. Here are a few quick Westfield home improvement projects that will make your older home look new again.Quick and Easy Westfield Home Improvement ProjectsBathtubsOne area that can date your bathrooms is the caulking in your tub. Yellowed, cracked, and peeling caulking makes tubs look dingy. Luckily, this is one of the Westfield home improvement projects that take little time or money to fix. Visit your local home improvement store for tips on how to update the look of your bathroom in about ...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Spring is here in beautiful Westfield. Sunny skies overhead (a high of 92F yesterday). Flowers in full bloom. Mother's Day is right around the corner (it's on May 13th this year). I'd say it's perfect weather for the Westfield Girls' Day and Night Out 2018.What: Westfield Girls' Day and Night Out 2018 Where: Various Businesses in Downtown Westfield When: Thursday, May 10th, 11 am to 9 pm Contact: Downtown Westfield Corp. (908) 789-9444 or via emailWestfield Girls' Day and Night Out 2018 Next Thursday, May 10th, women of all ages are invited to participate in the Westfield Girls' Day and Night Out 2018 event. Dozens of Downtown Westfield boutiques offer event specials. Some businesses even provide free cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and appetizers. Watch live demonstrations of various ...
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By Scott Gleason, CRS, Westfield NJ New Homes Specialist
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Designers of the newly constructed colonial at 817 Willow Grove in Westfield, NJ partnered an elegant style with smart technology. Dual Nest thermostats regulate the temperatures on multiple levels. Over time, Nest systems adapt to your family's day-to-day lifestyle patterns. It adjusts the temperature accordingly, making it an incredibly efficient heating and cooling system. The motion-activated alarm system includes three keypads. Never go to the movie theater again. With a five-speaker surround sound system set up in the Great Room, you'll enjoy high-quality sound without the annoyance of noisy strangers. Set the right mood for any dinner party courtesy of the surround sound system included in the dining room as well.817 Willow Grove Quick FactsBedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 6.5 Garage: 2 Ye...
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