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
On Saturday, September 25th, the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department will host its 58th annual country auction. The auction starts at 9 am and ends at 6 pm. Tickets may be purchased at the door at 7am. Refreshments will be available for purchase. If you are in the neighborhood, check it out, they have wonderful offerings.
The Friends of the Harding Township Library will kick off their Annual Concert on the Lawn to benefit Kemmerer Library Harding Township on Sunday, October 3rd. It starts at 4 pm with pony rides for the kids until 5 pm. From 4-6 pm the Monday Night Jammers will perform. All proceeds support the programs the library provides year round. Oh, the rain date is Sunday, October 10th.
Until next time.
Posted by: 
Lois Olmstead
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
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
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.
March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, so the saying goes. This March has definitely come in like a lion, let’s hope it goes out like a lamb! The ice skating ponds are drained and spring break is either here for some schools in the area or coming in the next few weeks. Hope springs eternal for continued warmer weather after this very wintery winter!
Local March events include:
The Madison Historical Society presents, “The History of the Madison Fire Department” featuring speaker Doug Atchison, recently retired Chief of the Madison Fire Department. The event will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7PM in the Chase Room at the Madison Public Library.
The New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department Soup Contest will take place on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 5-6 PM at the New Vernon Fire Department.
The New Vernon Health Department will offer Female Cancer Screenings at the New Vernon Municipal Building on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 9-11 am. The screening includes an exam by a doctor, PAP test, blood pressure and educational materials.
Events in April will be noted in my next blog. Enjoy the day, until next time…
Posted by:Lois Olmstead
