Guide Me Home to Chatham, NJ

The real estate market can be so confusing today, but don’t despair…recovery and help is on the way.

“Our area of Morris County is very special and unique due to its close proximity to NYC, excellent schools, and scenic beauty, so why can’t I get a higher price for my home now?”

We seem to be in a recovery, but don’t get too excited. Things can change in a heartbeat. A property listed at a fair market price will not last long. Buyers are out there, ready and poised to make the move, but if your property isn’t priced aggressively, your days on the market will linger and your property will be perceived as overpriced.

Once you pass the 60-day mark, the bottom feeders are on the loose, ready to make low offers.

Studies have proven that the closer you are to the “mark” with your pricing, your home will not only sell faster, but for a higher price.

No one wants to overpay, so we all need to proceed with caution when ready to put your house on the market. The recovery that is underway is still very fragile so don’t lose out on potential opportunities because of your higher asking price.

Posted by:  Caroline Vanleer

During times of inclement weather remember your neighbors! Don’t forget that some of them may be elderly and need assistance. You can help not only when the snow is on the ground but during extremes, such as torrential rains, excessive windstorms, and heat waves when the power goes out. The elderly are a very proud lot and sometimes do not reach out for help when they need it the most.

The Red Cross offers assistance programs. They also outline why it’s so important to lend a hand. Programs for caring for the elderly are in place for family members and caregivers.

We have discovered that The Red Cross offers so much assistance that you may be surprised.

It’s not just about blood drives…Check them out.

See for yourself how your local NJ chapter can enhance someone’s life! Perhaps your own!

Posted by:  Caroline Vanleer

Chatham Recreation offers a wide variety of activities for children and adults.

Fall - Soccer, football, flag football, field hockey, and cheerleading.

Winter -  Basketball, traveling basketball, skiing, wrestling, ice hockey (independently sponsored), men’s basketball and women’s volleyball.

Spring -  Baseball, softball, T-ball, lacrosse, traveling-soccer (independently sponsored) and golf.

Summer -  Traveling baseball, and softball, men’s and women’s softball, tennis, and a variety of sports camps and youth activities.

Chatham Borough Recreation Areas

Shepard Kollock Park -  Located off Parrott Mill Road. Covered picnic area, plus an all purpose field, baseball, softball, boat launch to the Passaic River, and playground area.

Memorial Park -  Located off North Passaic Avenue. Baseball, softball, basketball, playground area, picnic tables, Chatham Municipal Pool (badges are sold only at the pool during posted pool hours.)

Garden Park -  Located off Main Street adjacent to the Middle School. Tennis practice boards, six tennis courts, basketball and playground area.

Lum Avenue Fields - Located off Lum Avenue and adjacent to the Chatham Train Station.

Baseball, softball, and all purpose fields

Stanley Park -  Located off River Road adjacent to the Passaic River. Picnic area with grill.

Detailed Recreation Brochures are available at the Chatham Borough Municipal Building at 54 Fairmount Avenue. For additional information, please go to www.chathamrecreation.org, or call: 973-635-7066.

Posted by:  Cynthia Edgar

Where you can find geological history in Madison Borough?

I remember when my children were little and I wanted to show them interesting things in the area, it was a true labor of love to uncover tidbits to share. Yes, I’m showing my age, that was before the internet, now the kids are in their 20’s and living on their own. So here are a few nuggets for you to share while chauffeuring your children to various events. 

Madison is located on a ridge spanning from Summit to Morristown. The glacier which melted around the ridge was named, “The Wisconsin Glacier” which was formed some 10,000 years ago. The wetlands now known as the Great Swamp are on either side of the ridge. After the glacier melted, Madison was a gigantic lake: Lake Passaic. It’s difficult to imagine Madison under water with the “Hill Section” as little islands poking through, but it’s all true.

According to Rosenet Community Network for Madison there are still some “potholes” to be found from the huge chunks of ice from the melting glacier. The largest pot hole can be found on Glenwild Road. Located on Drew University’s property to be exact. Morris County acquired it and now presents as Public Parkland. The Moraine is its proper name.

The ridge which was formed produced a natural bypass for travel, now what we know as Kings Road. Prior to that, the Lenape Indians used this route and called it the Minisink Trail.

Morris County is steeped in history of all kinds. As their layers are revealed, new perspectives come to light. Explore and enjoy all this land has to offer.

Future blogs on the subject.

Until then,

Caroline

Posted by:  Caroline Vanleer

Did you know that Madison has FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS?

You’ve got that right, FREE to the public. To quote, “Bring a blanket or a chair for a free outdoor music concert on the lawn of the Museum featuring various toe tapping musical groups. Rain or Shine!”

Where: Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

For more info, call 973-377-2982x14

It’s a “Kid Friendly Event.”

Madison is full of pleasant surprises. Get the official MADISON calendar of events.

See you next time,

Posted by:  Caroline Vanleer

How does your house look in the public eye?

This is the last of the series; Take IT or Leave IT.

Whenever a client trusts Turpin Real Estate, Inc. to market their property our overall goal is to have the house prepared in such a manner that the BUYER will TAKE yours and LEAVE the competition behind.

Often homeowners become accustom to the way their home looks and feels. That’s a natural positive response. When the time comes to put the house on the market and move on, what seems natural is not.

Preparing your home can be a challenge because of the emotions and personal connections. Imagine yourself as a perspective buyer and walk around your home, take some pictures while you are at it. Ask yourself, “What do I see?” Are you seeing a lot of personal items? Multiple objects on surfaces such as book shelves, table tops, piano and kitchen counters? If the answer is yes, then you have some work to do.

Recently clients were looking at homes in Chatham and Madison. The question was asked, “Why did you purchase one over the other?” The answer was simple, “We couldn’t imagine where our furniture would go because there was too much going on in the other house.”

Buyers more often than not, get involved with items that they see while previewing homes for purchase. They need to focus on the house, not the items. As beautiful as they may be, our advise it to start packing.

The reduction of items is the number one necessity for a seller. If you get stuck, I may be able to help you out.

Encourage the buyers to take your home not to leave it.

Hope you have enjoyed the series.

Posted by:  Caroline Vanleer

In an effort to “go green” and eat fresher food, many people are shopping at local Farmer’s Markets.

These Farmer’s Markets provide conventionally and organically grown “Jersey Fresh” fruits and vegetables to the local community. They benefit the consumer by offering locally harvested fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally more flavorful and nutritious. They also benefit the community by drawing residents to the downtown area, thus strengthening the town-spirit through the market place.

The Farmer’s Markets reduce the food miles between the field and table, thus lowering carbon emissions. By featuring organic produce, the amount of pesticides and fertilizers entering our local waterways is reduced, thereby improving many fragile ecosystems.

Many towns are now offering Farmer’s Markets….. here are a few:

Chatham Borough Farmer’s Market – Every Saturday through October from 8 AM to 1 PM, located at the Railroad Station on Fairmount Avenue.

Madison Farmer’s Market I – Every Thursday at Madison High School from 3:30PM to 7:30PM.

Madison Farmer’s Market 2 – Every Thursday at the Madison Community Pool from 3:30PM to 7:30 PM.

Summit Farmer’s Market – Every Sunday at the parking lot on the corner of DeForest Avenue and Beechwood from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Posted by:  Cynthia Edgar

Chatham Borough (and Township) each have their own Historical Society, each dedicated to preserving the past. The Borough Historical Society was founded in 1923, with the mission “to bring together those who are interested in historical matters relating to the settlement and development of Chatham, and to make this material available to the public.”

The society presents programs, hosts an annual dinner for members, publishes a quarterly newsletter, takes oral histories, and gives walking tours of Chatham Borough. They have published several books and publications about Chatham, which are available for sale at the Chatham Public Library on Main Street. The Society researches the history of local houses, and documents all findings. One current project is the digitizing of many of the old photos in the archives, and creating DVDs of recent programs. They also offer for sale a reproduction from a 1910 map of Chatham Borough, which is printed on acid-free paper, and is approximately 22” by 30”.

The Chatham Historical Society is happy to welcome new members who are interested in helping celebrate Chatham’s rich history, and preserving the town’s historic character.

For details, write to:

Chatham Historical Society

P.O. Box 682

Chatham, NJ 07928

Posted by:  Cynthia Edgar

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

Chatham, New Jersey will hold its biannual Fishawack Festival on June 12, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in downtown Chatham Borough.  “Fishawack” gets its name from the Lenni Lenape Indians who crossed the Passaic River at a specific location (what is today Chatham Borough.)  The Indians would walk along the Fishawack Trail, which would later become a muddy road, a turnpike, and eventually become Main Street, Chatham.

Today, the Fishawack Festival is a celebration of community fun!  It is an entire day of activities, rides, games, crafts, music, food, etc. There is also a Fishawack Run – a 5K Race through the streets of Chatham neighborhoods.  All ages are encouraged to participate in the race, and awards are given to the top finishers of each age-group. And, while you’re out enjoying the many events of Fishawack stop in to see our new office located at 186 Main St in Chatham.

Fishawack Locations:

The Fishawack events will be held all over the downtown Chatham, New Jersey area. You can reach them all by foot and they are located just steps from the Train Station.

• Entertainment - The Gazebo @ Reasoner Park (Next to the Firehouse @ the intersection of Fairmount Ave. & Firehouse Plaza)
• Children’s Events - Memorial Park (Behind the Library of the Chathams, Main Street)
• Food Vendors - Firehouse Plaza (Opposite the Gazebo)
• Craft Vendors - So. Passaic Avenue, Fairmount Avenue & Post Office Plaza
• Information Booths  - Main St. & So. Passaic Ave.
• 5K Race - Train Station South Lot

For more information, please contact the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, or go to www.FishawackFestival.com.

Posted by:Cynthia Edgar

Chatham Office
186 Main Street
Chatham, New Jersey 07928

Office: 973-635-5555 ext.305
Cell: 973-879-6088
Fax: 973-635-3555
Email: cvanleer@turpinrealtors.com

View Caroline's Listings

Caroline brings many years of valuable real estate experience to her sales associate position. Her diverse background includes expertise in sales, listings, marketing, management, design, training, relocation and research. Before joining Turpin, she was involved in several residential new construction developments in Somerset, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Communication is vital to Caroline, who believes in keeping her clients updated on the latest market developments. Her detail-oriented nature means buyers and sellers know exactly where they stand throughout the transaction process. From the listing agreement to the closing table, clients have a true ally in Caroline. A Chatham native and longtime resident of the Rolling Hills section of town, Caroline formerly was an option trader and a commercial photographer specializing in architecture and home interiors. Her interest in computers is also an asset in her professional life. A savvy business person in her own right, she often assists her husband, Tad, in business development at J. Emanuel Chocolatier, in Chester, NJ and the online gourmet chocolate shop. She is an avid tennis and paddle tennis player who enjoys travel. Married with three grown children - three college graduates-- she is familiar with local school systems, extracurricular activities and recreational opportunities. She has a special place in her heart for horses and all things equestrian. Caroline meets and exceeds the challenges that come with being a full-time Realtor. Count on her for dependable service when you visit the Chatham office.

Chatham Office
186 Main Street
Chatham, New Jersey 07928

Office: 973-635-5555 ext.302
Cell: 973-879-6088
Fax: 973-635-3555
Email: sbarba@turpinrealtors.com

View Susan's Listings

Susan began her real estate career over 20 years ago when she was attending college in Virginia. While working as a receptionist for a Realtor in Georgetown during her summer break, she found the real estate industry to be exciting and rewarding. After college, Susan returned to New Jersey and began working for Forward Mobility, a national relocation consulting firm. As a consultant, Susan worked closely with transferees and Realtors to satisfy both home sales and home search needs. The strong attention to detail and high quality service expectations required by this position laid a strong foundation for Susan's professional practices in real estate sales today. In 1986, Susan obtained her real estate license and, in 1988, she decided to take the leap from relocation consulting to real estate sales. Susan has experience in many varied aspects of real estate including relocation, new construction listing and sales as well as land listing and sales. She believes that the process of buying and selling a property should be a positive one. "Real estate is about people, and when you treat people well, everyone wins." The high quality of service, sterling reputation, and the experienced sales associates at Turpin are what led her to join the company. Susan is a member of the Women's Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital and has served as a Board Member for the Women's Association (WAMMH). Susan also volunteers as a cantor and soloist for the Church of Christ the King in New Vernon. Additionally, for more than ten years, Susan has chaired and co-chaired the "Giving Tree," a charity run through the Church of Christ the King. Her associates and friends would describe her as energetic, honest, knowledgeable and reliable. Susan has a passion for helping people and she looks forward to hearing from you at the Chatham office.

Our Turpin Realtors Chatham office is located at 186 Main Street in beautiful Chatham, NJ. The office is located in the middle of the historic downtown adjacent to F. Gerald New and we are in the same building as Cambridge Street Papers (both locally owned stores).

Our Chatham, NJ agents are all familiar with the Chatham, NJ area and ready to help you with your needs.

Stop by or call our Chatham office at 973-635-5555 and we’ll help you buy or sell your next home!

Chatham, NJ is a peaceful community located in the north central part of New Jersey. Chatham has many fine home options to choose from; townhouses, garden apartments and condominiums are available throughout the area. Also, there are several transportation options to get to New York City and surrounding North Jersey areas. Chatham has efficient railroad, bus and of course highway commuting options.

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that I announce the opening of our new office located at 186 Main Street in beautiful Chatham, NJ. We are located in the heart of the historic downtown right next to F. Gerald New and in the same building as Cambridge Street Papers, two wonderful, locally owned shops.

We have long recognized the potential for Turpin Real Estate in Chatham as so many of our clients moving into the Somerset Hills have come from this area.  As the number of transactions our agents have had in the Chatham and Madison area have steadily increased over the past few years the notion of opening a Chatham Turpin office has become more and more appealing.

Our core group of experienced agents staffing the office includes Susan Barba, Cindy Edgar, Lois Olmstead and Ted Zeller, all of whom are intimately familiar with the area, having either lived in Chatham or currently living in the immediate area.  As the office manager of our newest office, I am thrilled to bring the high level of client service and creative marketing programs that have been our company’s hallmarks for a half century to the Chathams and surrounding towns. Give us a call at 973-635-5555, or stop by!

Posted by: John Turpin