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

On my way to work today I saw the cutest real life moment. A group of young moms, their husbands and baby brothers/sisters were waiting at the corner bus stop. It’s the first day of school. Big brothers and sisters went bravely onto the bus, it happened in a flash, in a flurry of smiles and waving by everyone. Then the troupe turned away from the departing bus and started to walk back home, smiling, talking, pushing the stroller.

So, to everyone starting out a new school year and their families who are waiting at home for their return, I hope it’s a great year! There is nothing like a fresh start, a new beginning.

New Vernon and Madison students attend Madison High School. This year, Madison was ranked #15 by New Jersey Monthly magazine in their Top High School Report.

Posted by:  Lois Olmstead

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

Less is more.  Why?  Read on:

Simply, the value of the house, though represented by an offering price, is determined by the pool of buyers looking at groups of houses that are in a similar niche as yours.  This is what is meant by the phrase: What the market will bear.

Two scenarios to be aware of:

Multiple offers:  Price is set to attract serious buyers by offering value to entice multiple bidding on the property sooner rather than later.  This method actually pushes the value of the property to the maximum price point. Timing and careful analysis is critical to achieve maximum benefits.

Over priced listings:  These listings attract the bargain hunters.  They know as soon as a property hits a time limit, they can negotiate a better deal in their favor.  They have no competition in most cases and begin with a “low ball” offer.  They have more control when negotiating, not the other way around.

The good news is that we are skilled at determining a healthy starting price when marketing your home.  You should be able to reap the highest price the market will bear in the least amount of time and hassle.

We are happy to speak with you at our office without obligation.

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.  Accurate information 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

Chatham Moving and Storage is a local business with a great reputation for quality service. They are located at 223 North Passaic Avenue in Chatham, New Jersey. Their telephone number is 800-543-0753. They offer modern storage, packing and moving services.

If your destination is Madison, Harding Township, Chatham Township, Chatham Borough, Short Hills or Summit, or if you are moving out of the area, you should definitely put this local business on your list. I’ve had several sellers use their services with good results.

Until next time, enjoy the harbinger of spring!

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

Along with movies and restaurants, check out one of our favorite spots, Shanghai Jazz, featuring great Asian cuisine and American jazz playing six nights a week!

An announcement on Madison’s website RoseNet offered the following upcoming event:

54 Main Bar and Grille will be hosting the seven-women rock band The Mood Swings, featuring Sandi Sweeney of Madison on drums, for a gig from 9:30 to about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2010.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

Spring has arrived when cyclists start showing up in greater numbers along the beautiful country roads that wind through New Vernon. The kids are back on the fields playing lacrosse and baseball and running through both Madison and Harding Township for track and conditioning.

It’s definitely Spring when the sign goes up for the Fishing Contest sponsored by Township of Harding. It happens every year, early April, for children up to 12 years old. You’ll notice more people out at the pond practicing for the big day. Now past, you will still find people trying their luck with the rod and reel.

A hot spot once the weather starts warming up is the ice cream store on Main Street in Madison. On any given day when the weather is good, you can watch people sitting on the bench, deep in thought, taking their time with an ice cream filled cone.

Both Harding and Madison have Memorial Day Parades set for Monday, May 25, 2009 at 9:30 am.

The natural beauty of the area is starting to shine with all of the rain we have had of late.

Until next time, enjoy the day.

Posted by:Lois Olmstead

The recently renovated Madison train station is a great starting point for those traveling to New York City. The mid-town direct train line is a wonderful enhancement to living in Madison. Whether you are commuting to work, or plan to enjoy the many amenities the city has to offer, the line is convenient and easy to use. Broadway, Opera, museums, shopping, sporting and cultural events are a train ride away.

The Morris and Essex Line of NJ Transit has direct service to NY Penn Station and to Hoboken .

There is bus service to Port Authority by Lakeland Bus Lines and local bus services through Morris County and NJ transit buses. Check out the Morris/Essex Line for more details.

Public parking near the station is a NJT lot and is first come, first serve for $2.00 daily. It’s no surprise it fills up fast. There are other municipal lots across the street and next to the police station. These lots have a daily fee of $5.00 and are also used by permit holders. Permit parking is $400/year for Madison residents. Residents can go to the police station to get a commuter parking application or download an application here. The permit application process is open to Harding and Chatham residents as well, at $1,000/year. Proof of residence and vehicle registration is required for all vehicles.

Madison is well situated with access to either Routes 287 or 24 by car.

I hope everyone is enjoying the emergence of spring. Future blogs will include; restaurants, parks and spring!

Posted by: Lois Olmstead

In my last blog, I mentioned I would discuss my listing in Madison. It’s located on the corner of Woodland and Prospect, a few blocks walk to the Madison Train Station and the down town area. To view this extraordinary property, please click here.

I have a real interest in antique homes, especially of classical design. This house, built in 1905, has many classical features found in the Georgian style. Symmetry is the hallmark of the style and is evident in many exterior features of this house such as: double chimneys, complimentary side pergola’s, use of equal number of columns, window count; five horizontal second floor windows and four horizontal first floor windows with the front door in the middle. Many interior details continue the theme. What I love about older homes is the intangible sense of being home, particularly when you walk through the door and are greeted by a solid, serene, and sophisticated presence. Next time I will talk about the train and transportation, among other things.

Contact me at 908-766-6500 ext. 237 for more information.

Posted by: Lois Olmstead