Guide Me Home to Chatham, NJ

How long should your house be on the market before an offer is made?  Successful house sales require realistic and current working knowledge of the marketplace.

· Transactions in the immediate area
· Listings in town
· Movement in your neighborhood
· Condition and style of the house you are offering
· Accurate pricing information from past sales
· Homes that are in the same niche as yours.

Straightforward communications between seller and agent is the key to understanding timing.  We can help you calibrate the timing with our in-depth knowledge of real estate transactions.

Contact us at our office to discuss, by appointment only.
Serving the Mid-Town Direct communities of Chatham, Madison, Summit and Short Hills we have what you need. See www.turpinrealtors.com for community listings.

Pertinent information relating to the process of selling property can make for a much more rewarding experience. Allow us to show you the Turpin difference.

Encourage BUYERS to Take it … not Leave it!

Until next time…

Posted by: Caroline Vanleer and Lois Olmstead

Today’s market is unique! Although it is still more of a buyer’s market, believe it or not, if you are a seller, this is good news for you.

Good news you say? It’s a buyer’s market, how can this be good? Well, don’t forget, buyers determine value, and you need buyers to come take a look. It’s great news that there are buyers out there doing just that.

First off, think about our area here on the East Coast. We service such wonderful communities as Chatham, Madison, Summit, and Short Hills to name a few. Geographically, we are sitting very nicely in areas with desirable qualities such as: Top rated public school systems, public transportation to major hubs such as New York City, airports such as Newark International Airport, major highways. Also, shopping galore with the Short Hills Mall as our premium mall, restaurants, entertainment, and employment in New Jersey and New York City. Most of all, some of the most beautiful countryside around. The old adage in Real Estate: location, location, location applies to our area as well as it does to an individual home.

When you decide to put your house on the market and have a good idea about your next destination consider some of the following:

1. What is your expectation of how long your house should be on the market?
2. What do you personally think your house is worth?
3. What are your expectations of the agent that you ultimately will hire?
4. Have you thought about how your house looks to an outsider?

So many things come into play when you think you are ready. Your agent should be able to supply you with some tips to improve the “look” of your house and increase its selling power.

We hope “Take it or Leave it” will be a continuing feature component to the Chatham blog.

Until next time:

Posted by:Lois Olmstead and Caroline Vanleer

Autumn Harvest is on Village Road in the New Vernon Post Office Building. It’s open from 7am to 6pm daily for a casual breakfast or lunch. If you are in the area, you should check it out, the service is friendly and the food is fresh. For more information, you can contact them at 973-401-1231.

Market Restaurant is on Rt. 202. The locals refer to it as where Pierre’s used to be, a beloved institution in the New Vernon area that closed a few years ago. Market has revamped the building, which now exudes a fresh, clean, new feel. The food is great and service attentive. The prices were mid-range with options for lighter fare, such as a burger. The bar area was hopping while we were there. Since we live in the area, we are always rooting for our local restaurants to do well. Market can be reached at 908-502-5106. Definitely call ahead to assure a seat, but if you are driving by last minute, don’t let the parking lot fool you. Check it out.

Spring is in full force, the end of school is fast approaching. Harding Township and Madison residents make up the student population at Madison High School. This year’s MHA Graduation Gala is June 18, 2010. It will be held at the Ferguson Recreation Center on the Fairleigh Dickinson Madison campus. This is an annual event that the community is encouraged to support. Everyone wants the kids to have fun and build memories of their time at Madison High.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead