Why should you work with a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)?  You are going to want to have their special training working for you throughout the entire home buying process.  After all, this is most likely the largest financial decision you will make in your lifetime.  A REALTOR® is one of the most important assets you can have on your side when purchasing a home.  But not all REALTORS® are the same.  A Certified Residential Specialist will provide much more insight, experience and information than a regular real estate agent.Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) DesignationI recently attended a Council of Residential Specialists convention in Orlando, FL.  There, I met market leading, ultra-conscientious agents from around the country.  It was a terrific skills-building couple o... 02/18/2016

Anyone who owns a home in the Westfield community knows that you have to pay property taxes.  How many of you feel that you are paying more than you should?  The Westfield NJ Property Tax Appeal Seminar will teach you how to challenge what the Tax Assessor's office is charging you.  You have nothing to lose and possibly hundreds of dollars to gain by attending this seminar.What: Westfield NJ Property Tax Appeal Seminar Where: Amuse Restaurant (39 Elm St, Westfield, NJ) When: Monday, February 15, 2016 at 7:30pm Admission: FREE Contact: Scott Gleason (908) 698-2630Westfield NJ Property Tax Appeal SeminarYour property taxes are based on how much your property is worth.  The Tax Assessor's office is the official entity that determines its value.  However, many offices around the country are... 02/11/2016

The luxury home buying process is a much different experience than that of lower-priced properties.  Luxury home buyers tend to see features and amenities as their main focus rather than price.  These luxury Westfield Home Buyer tips will help make the purchasing process a little easier.Luxury Westfield Home Buyer TipsSearching for a Property - The internet is a great place to start.  However, some of the high end properties may not be listed on the MLS or any other major search engine due to privacy concerns.  The first of my luxury Westfield Home Buyer tips is to utilize your REALTOR'S® resources.  They have access to just about any property on the market, including off-market "pocket listings".  Hire a REALTOR®  that is experienced in the area you are looking to buy, let them know ex... 02/04/2016

The pre-game ceremonies and show for the Super Bowl sometimes seems like it's WAY too much.  But this year, local fans have a reason to tune in.  The Westfield High School Football Team will be highlighted in a segment titled "Before They Were Pros" at 11am on CBS.  The Westfield High School Football Team was undefeated this past season and won the North 2, Group 5 State Championship this season.Several Westfield High School have had impacts on professional sports as well as business and the arts.  Some notable graduates are former NY Giants quarterback Dave Brown and former NFL players Butch Woolfolk and Steve Cheek.  Former MLB Dodgers catcher and former NY Mets manager Jeff Torborg is also a graduate.  As a side note, Torborg was the catcher for Sandy Kofax's perfect game and he also... 02/04/2016

Since the financial crisis of 2008, lenders have become much more strict in their lending practices.  New TRID rules have meant longer escrow times.  Buyers get antsy.  They do things that they think are innocuous while in escrow.  However, they can be detrimental to your home loan in the end.  Here are some common Buyer mistakes that you can easily avoid.Common Buyer MistakesMaking Major Purchases - One of the biggest common Buyer mistakes is to make big purchases while you are still in the middle of your escrow.  It's easy to get excited and start designing your ideal kitchen or perfect living room before you've actually moved in.  You may decide to get a jump on things and go furniture shopping now.  That way, you can get rid of your old things and move in with fresh, new "stuff".  B... 01/28/2016

It looks like the Westfield luxury market is off to a good start this year.  The Mid-January 2016 Westfield Luxury Market Update showed that new construction hasn't slowed down even as the temperatures continue to drop.  See what else is going on in the Westfield luxury market below.Mid-January 2016 Westfield Luxury Market UpdateThe Mid-January 2016 Westfield Luxury Market Update showed that a total of 15 luxury homes in the $750,000+ price range are currently for sale.  Of those, 12 are either newly constructed, are currently under construction or are ready to be built.  Click on any of the addresses below to see photos or watch a virtual tour of the property. 254 Virginia St - 4 bed/3 bath, 2258 sq ft, $835,000 509 Boulevard - 3 bed/4.5 bath, 2800 sq ft, $899,000 1723 Boynton Ave - 4 ... 01/21/2016

In his annual State of the Town address on January 3rd, Mayor Andrew Skibitsky declared that Westfield is thriving.  There are some exciting new residential developments on the horizon.  The vibrant downtown area offers many opportunities for young entrepreneurs.  This new year is shaping up to be even more spectacular than last year.Westfield is Thriving One of the examples given by the mayor to show that Westfield is thriving was its AAA Rating by Standard & Poor's last August.  This is only given to those businesses or organizations that consistently show that they provide strong management and financial performance.Westfield was also recognized by NJ Family as their pick for the Best Mid-Size Town for Families in 2015.  Low crime rates, fantastic schools and the abundance of neighbo... 01/14/2016

A new year means new possibilities.  Is owning a new Westfield NJ luxury home one of the possibilities on your list for 2016?  It should be.  The Westfield Luxury Market Update for 12/29/15 shows that you could own a newly constructed home even through the winter.Westfield Luxury Market Update - 12/29/15The Westfield Luxury Market Update on 12/29/15 indicated a total of three homes currently under construction or ready to be built.  Some of these are still early enough in construction that the new owner can customize some parts of the home.  Feel free to click on any of the links below to find out more about each property: 630 Broad St - 5 bed/3.5 bath, list price $740,990 209 Edgewood Ave (no pictures available) - 5 bed/4.5 bath, list price $1,249,000 520 Clifton St - 6 bed/6 bath, lis... 01/08/2016

I hope everyone had a great Christmas.  New Year's Eve is just three days away.  The first order of business in January has to do with a school bond referendum in our Westfield community that is scheduled for the end of the month.  There are four Westfield NJ school bond meetings set for January 2016.  The meetings are all open to the general public.Westfield NJ School Bond MeetingsThe four Westfield NJ school bond meetings will be held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings at two separate locations.  Both Thursday meetings will be hosted by the schools' Parent Teacher Organizations, with the Parent Teacher Council co-hosting the January 21st meeting.  They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the bond.  These four meetings have been scheduled to allow for as many Westfiel... 01/03/2016

We are less than two weeks away from a brand new year.  I have prepared this Westfield Area Luxury Homes Year End Recap 2015 to inform you of how this year has fared in the local real estate market.  Overall, prices in our Westfield community as well as the surrounding areas were higher than previous estimations predicted.Westfield Area Luxury Homes Year End Recap 2015Westfield homes had an estimated median list price of $855,000, according to Realtor Property Resource (RPR).  However, the MLS had the median estimate at $883,486.  This was 4% higher than the previous last year.Zillow and RPR both underestimated Westfield property values.  Zillow estimated that the median value would be $680,900.  RPR had estimated values to be around $747,000.  The MLS reported that the median value was... 12/24/2015

Westfield NJ made the Top 100 Best Small Cities to Live list.  WalletHub recently released their list for 2015's Best and Worst Small Cities in America.  Our very own Westfield community ranked 81st.  Only three other cities in New Jersey found their way into the top 100: Hoboken (80th), Paramus (15th) and Princeton (1st).Westfield NJ Made the Top 100 Best Small Cities to Live ListHow did WalletHub determine their rankings for this list?  There were four main criteria they took into consideration: affordability, economic health, education/health and quality of life.  Things like housing costs, cost of living and how many homeowners were in the community went into the affordability portion of the equation.  The economic health of a community was determined by the unemployment rate, media... 12/17/2015

I certainly hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Now that the turkey is put away, it's time to start making your plans for Christmas here in our Westfield community.  When it comes to your Christmas tree, don't settle for a fake one.  Get a beautiful live tree at the Westfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015.What: Westfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015 Where: Elm St Field Between Orchard & Walnut When: Nov 28th to Dec 23rd, 5pm to 9pm Mon thru Fri, 9am to 6pm Sat & Sun Contact: Scott Gleason, Westfield Y Men's Club via emailWestfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015For more than 60 years now, the Westfield Y Men's Club has hosted their very own Christmas tree lot.  The proceeds from the sales of Christmas trees helps fund the many Westfield Y Men's Club cha... 12/03/2015

Next week is Thanksgiving.  There is only a month and a half left of 2015.  You still have time to find the perfect Westfield NJ luxury home before the year ends.  If you hurry, you could be spending Christmas with your family in your new home.  Here is your Mid-November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market Update to show you what's on the market right now.Mid-November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market UpdateCurrently, there are five luxury homes for sale in Westfield.  Four of these are under construction or are ready to be built.  The other is a beautiful Custom Colonial that was built in 2006.  Please click on any address below to see photos or take a virtual tour of the listing: 26 Cottage Pl - 5 bed/2+2 bath, 4600 square feet $1,150,000 78 Tamaques Way - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,289,000 750 Prospect S... 11/25/2015

There is no gift greater than the gift of life.  According to the American Red Cross, over 41,000 blood transfusions are needed each and every day in the United States.  That is one every two seconds.  We need your help to ensure that there is blood on the shelves that is ready to use whenever and wherever it is needed this holiday season.  Please consider making a life-saving contribution at the Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive tomorrow.What: Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive Where: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Bldg (425 E Broad St) When: Sat, Nov 14th 11am to 4:30pm Contact: Westfield Regional Health Dept (908) 789-4070 or via emailWestfield NJ 2015 Blood DriveThe Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive will take place at the Westfield Health Department's Community Room on Saturday, November 14... 11/19/2015

We are closing in on the end of the year here in Westfield.  Even though we have less than two months left, it isn't too late to find the perfect new home to celebrate the holidays with your family.  This Early November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market Update will show you what is available right now.Early November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market UpdateThe Garden State MLS is reporting that there are currently seven beautiful luxury Westfield homes for sale.  Four of these are either under construction or have recently completed construction.  One of them is a newly renovated 1920's home.  Click on any address below to see photos of each property. 630 W Broad St- 5 beds/3.5 baths, listed at $799,000 254 Virginia St - 4 beds/3 baths, listed at $895,000 1717 Boulevard - 5 beds/5 baths, listed at... 11/12/2015

It's the end of October.  The weather has turned cold here in our Westfield community.  It's only going to get colder.  Old Man Winter will be here in full force before you know it!  Now would be a great time to check your home for air leaks.  You may think you know where all the culprits are.  But, are you looking for leaks in all the wrong places?Looking for Leaks in All the Wrong PlacesYou have replaced cracked weatherstripping around your windows and doors.  You re-caulked where needed.  You found and fixed all the obvious places where air leaks could be found.  But you still feel a draft in your Westfield home.  Could it be that you were looking for leaks in all the wrong places?  How about checking...your bathroom!Did you know that plumbers have to cut into your sub-flooring in or... 11/06/2015

We are now in the fourth and final quarter of 2015.  New construction in Westfield's luxury home market continues to flourish.  You will learn all about it in this Westfield Luxury Home Market Update for 10-23-15.Westfield Luxury Home Market UpdateAccording to the Garden State MLS, there are a total of eight active luxury Westfield homes currently for sale.  All eight of these are either brand new construction, are currently under construction or are ready to be built.  You will find more information and photos/floor plans of each by clicking on its address below: 401 & 403 Prospect Ave (Duplex) - Each unit has 3 bed/4.5 bath and is listed at $949,000 204 Wyoming St - 5 bed/4.5 bath $999,000 1509 Pine Grove Ave - 5 bed/4.5 bath $1,159,900 721 Marcellus Dr - 5 bed/4.5 bath $1,249,900 (no... 10/29/2015

It's October.  There are officially 29 days til Halloween.  But the Fall fun begins this weekend.  Union County pumpkin patches want your business now.  Pumpkins can last as long as three months if you don't carve them.  Pick up pumpkins and other natural Autumn decorations to add to your Westfield home decor at one of the two pumpkin patches below.Union County Pumpkin PatchesWhere: Parker Gardens (1325 Terrill Rd, Scotch Plains) When: Now through Oct 31, Mon to Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 4pm Contact: Parker Gardens (908) 322-5552 or via emailOne of the Union County pumpkin patches can be found at Parker Gardens.  The gardens are open seven days a week.  But the pumpkin patch itself is only open on the weekends.  That's when you'll find hayrides, slides and a maze in the gardens.  Octo... 10/08/2015

The Federal Reserve met last week to discuss a possible rate hike.  After reviewing local and worldwide economic data, they decided against raising rates at this time.  However, they will be meeting again at the end of next month.  If economic statistics at that time allow, they could very well increase rates.  That leaves us wondering how a Federal rate hike could affect Buyers.  Let's discuss.How A Federal Rate Hike Could affect BuyersThe Federal Reserve has been responsible for keeping interest rates low over the last several years.  In fact, we haven't had a significant increase since the banking crisis of 2008.  One way how a Federal rate hike could affect Buyers is with mortgage rates.  Lending institutions, such as mortgage companies, look to the Fed to determine where they shoul... 10/01/2015

It's getting dark sooner nowadays.  But the sun has not gone down on the Westfield real estate market.  At least, that's what the early September 2015 Westfield home sales figures have to say.  It is still alive and kicking.Early September 2015 Westfield Home SalesThe Garden State Multiple Listing Service released its early September 2015 Westfield home sales statistics.  As of September 10th, there were eight beautiful Westfield homes for sale. 1723 Boynton Ave - 4 bed/3.5 bath $1,049,000 133 Woodbrook Circle - 4 bed/3.5 bath $1,249,000 1 Bell Dr - 5 bed/6.5 bath $1,299,000 621 Greenbriar - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,329,000 641 Norwood Dr - 5 bed/3+2 bath $1,350,000 649 4th Ave - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,425,000 6 Max Pl - 5 bed/4 bath $1,499,000 403 Qantuck Pl - 6 bed/5.5 bath $1,799,000 Five of the... 09/24/2015