Thursday, November 6, 2008

New Mendham Township Listing

We are happy to tell you about a new listing in a great neighborhood on the East side of town! The rooms are spacious and for the most part have hardwood floors.
It is available to show you at any time.
As you can see from the pictures there are three fireplaces located in the livingroom,family room and library. The septic system was just installed so that is no problem for the inspections. They even had the basement waterproofed and painted so that is available for further development for office or playroom.
Give us a call so that we can show it to you!















MLS#: 2598167 CO: Morris* TOWN: Mendham Twp.* (2320)
AD: 3 YARDLEY RD* ZIP: 07945* LP: $869,000


SE: CLR: white
ZN: residential GRS: Brookside
MSJR: Brookside HS: W.M.Mendham RCOMZIP: 07945
BLDG#: UNIT#: FLR#: BLK:144* LOT:11*
CL: No SDA:Yes GSMLS.COM: Yes #1M: 10 FHA 55+: No
PSUBTYPE: Single Family
STYLE: Colonial
YB / DESC / REN: 1962 / /
RMS: 9 BDRM: 4 FB: 2 HB: 1 TBTH: 2.1 SQFT:



GARAGE: 2 / Attached Garage, Garage Door Opener LTSZ: 3.0 AC*
DRIVE: / 1 Car Width, Blacktop ACRES: 3*
P-USE: OTP: Fee Simple BSMT: Yes / Full, Unfinished

LTDES: Level Lot, Open Lot
ROOF: Asphalt Shingle POOL: Yes / In-Ground Pool, Outdoor Pool

EXTER: Aluminum Siding FP: 3 / Family Room, Library, Living Room

EXTFT: Deck, Wood Fence, Open Porch(es), Outbuilding(s), Sidewalk, Thermal Windows/Doors
DIR: Rte. 24 to Yardley Road to #3 on right
REM: A shimmer of luxury in the LR & DR. A blend of casual comfort in the FR and library/ den. Large bedrooms. Just installed new septic. Sunny solarium ready for light loving plants.


LIV: 30x15 / First DIN: 17x14 / First KIT: 21x11 / First FAM: 19x15 / First DEN: 10x9 / First
1BD: 18x17 / Second 2BD: 19x15 / Second 3BD: 16x13 / Second 4BD: 14x11 / Second
OTH 1: / / OTH 2: / / OTH 3: / / OTH 4: / /
KITCH: Eat-In Kitchen PETS: Yes
DINE: Formal Dining Room IN-LAW SUITE: No / MODIFIED HANDICAP: No

MSTBR: Full Bath, Walk-In Closet MSTBH: Jacuzzi-Type, Stall Shower
FLOOR: Carpeting, Ceramic Tile, Wood
INTER: Carbon Monoxide Detector, Fire Extinguisher, Skylight, Smoke Detector, Whirlpool, Walk-In Closet
APPL: Carbon Monoxide Detector, Dishwasher, Dryer, Microwave Oven, Self Cleaning Oven, Refrigerator, Range/Oven-Electric, Sump Pump, Washer
AMNT:
EXCLU:
LEVLB: Storage Room, Utility Room
LEVLG:
LEVL1: Den, Dining Room, Family Room, Florida/3Season, Foyer, Kitchen, Laundry Room, Powder Room
LEVL2: 4 Or More Bedrooms, Bath Main, Bath(s) Other
LEVL3: OTHLEV:

HEAT: 2 Units, Auxiliary Electric Heat, Baseboard - Hotwater WATER: Public Water
COOL: 2 Units, Ceiling Fan, Central Air, House Exhaust Fan WTRHT: Gas
SEWER: Septic 4 Bedroom Town Verified FUEL: Gas-Natural
SERVC: Cable TV, Garbage Extra Charge UTIL: Electric, Gas-Natural

FEE: $ / TAXES: $14,120 TRTYR: 2008 LNDASMT: $500,000
APPLF: $ EASEMNT: Unknown / TXRATE: 1.53 TAXYR: 2008 BLDASMT: $422,900
OTHER: $ / HMWRNTY: FARMASM: No TOTASMT: $922,900
FEINC: POSSES: immediatley

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Far Hills Hunt Races


This Saturady, October 18th is the annual Far Hills Hunt Races. Set in the Somerset hills with the gorgeous colors of Fall as the backdrop. If you've been before, you know how spectacular this event is! Tickets are $50.00 if you buy them in advance and $100.00 at the gate the day of the event. Click here for the official website with ticket locations and more information or click here to read an article about this great fundraiser for the Somerset Hills Medical Center.

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Apple Picking Time


This past weekend we were blessed to have amazing 75 degree weather and the beautiful colors of Fall at the same time! My mother, who used to be my real estate partner at Coldwell Banker Mendham, was up for a visit from her home in Willmington, North Carolina and my youngest son Casey was home for a visit from Stonehill college so we decided this would be the perfect time for apple picking. Based on the amount of traffic on Route 24 and Route 206, a huge number of people also had the same idea! Our first stop was the Hacklebarney Cider Mill where we watched them press the cider. We didn't wait in the long line for donuts (an annual tradition for many we spoke to) but did purchase some delicious apple cider to take with us. You can't pick your own apples there, so we headed over to Stonyhill Gardens. (We often go to Alstede Farm - Kurt Alstede was kind enough to take in a noisy rooster we once owned - but the line was extra long this weekend due to pumpkin picking and hayrides.) Stonyhill had so many varieties of apples to choose from that we ended up with 2 huge baskets! We were happy to find they also had lots of fresh vegetables ready for picking including broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes. That night we made a delicious apple crumb pie with the empire apples.
Here is a list of nearby farms to visit at the most beautiful time of year:


Alstede Farms
84 Route 513 S. (Old Route 24W), Chester
908/879-7189; alstedefarms.com

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill
104 State Park Rd., Chester
908/879-6593; njcidermill.com

Hillview Farms
223 Meyersville Rd., Gillette
908/647-0957; hillviewfarmsnj.com

Riamede Farm
122 Oakdale Rd., Chester; 908/879-5353

Stony Hill Gardens
8 Route 24, Chester
908/879-2696; stonyhillgardens.com

Sun High Orchards
19 Canfield Ave., Randolph
973/584-4734; sunhigh.com

Wightman’s Farms
Route 202, Morristown
973/425-9819; wightmansfarms.com

~Diane Tolley

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Moving

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
Mov´ing
a. 1. Changing place or posture; causing motion or action; as, a moving car, or power.
2. Exciting movement of the mind or feelings; adapted to move the sympathies, passions, or affections; touching; pathetic; as, a moving appeal.
I sang an old moving story.
- Coleridge.
Moving force
(Mech.) a force that accelerates, retards, or deflects the motion of a body.
Moving plant
(Bot.) a leguminous plant (Desmodium gyrans); - so called because its leaflets have a distinct automatic motion.

n. 1. The act of changing place or posture; esp., the act of changing one's dwelling place or place of business.
Moving day - a day when one moves; esp., a day when a large number of tenants change their dwelling place

In actuallity, moving means months of hard work and an a huge range of emotions, expecially when it involves children. Below are some articles that may make your next move easier.


Moving With Children - Some Great Tips
Author: Jim Baker


Informing Kids

When moving with children, tell older ones once the plans are definite.
Kids need time get through things and adjust:

Do not rush their goodbyes to any friends
Do not keep the move as a surprise, leaving it to the last minute
Tell younger ones when the move is happening and involve them as needed as this will make them less frightened and nervous

Attitude and Moving with Kids

Adult moods should be focused and show a sense of adventure to the kids
Avoid depressed, worried or stressed attitudes as these produce negative responses from kids
Avoid kids fearing the unknown by providing all details necessary with an excited and upbeat approach, including what will happen on the moving day
Discuss the move, the community and new home
Encourage questions and the expression of feelings
Address all of the kids' concerns meaningfully, attentively and lovingly
With younger children, focus on the present on the day of the move:
Encourage looking out for the movers arrival
Discourage frustration through play and fantasy
Encourage assistance by getting them to load wagons with light boxes to be moved to other rooms
Discuss feelings about moving through books about other kids moving
Be aware and prepared for unsettled reactions such as boredom and disinterest, helping them to deal with this through the discussion of honest emotions/feelings and assure them that disagreeing with you is acceptable
Deal with each kid's level of emotions one at a time, whether it is sadness, nervousness, anger or frustration
Be prepared to deal with these emotions for some time after the move until the kids have settled in
Avoid generalizations with teens regarding their concerns and feelings by being respective, honest, open, able to resolve their issues and making no promises that cannot be kept
With teens, involve them in the move to avoid negative reactions, including responsibilities, decision-making and advice giving
Always make teens aware that their feedback is important

The New Home/Community Prior to the Move

Visit the new home/community with kids to ease their transition and see their rooms and neighbourhood
Visit local shops, playgrounds, parks, sporting facilities, movie cinemas, restaurants and other locations with kids in the new neighbourhood
Get kids signed up for activities through community facilities and meet the people they will be involved with
Take the kids for tours of their new schools
Introduce the kids to their new teachers
If the move is a great distance away then show the kids photos or videos of the new home and neighbourhood, including local kids, playgrounds, sports facilities, shops, schools, parks, restaurants, etc.
Encourage kids to discuss the photos and videos to learn what other kids wear, if they appear friendly, where they hang out and create a map to help them when they arrive
Create packs with coupons or certificates for each child for varied restaurants and attractions in the new neighbourhood, including a gift from a local shop
Discuss local music and television stations
Build their excitement and enthusiasm
Get the kids involved through specified moving day jobs
Get primary age kids to create list to tick off any jobs assigned to them
Get teenagers to create lists for their jobs to be ticked off on the day of the move
Constantly show appreciation for their assistance in the move
Encourage kids to voice their opinions regarding moving aspects
Create diagrams of kids' rooms with photos of furniture and toys made to scale so they can arrange their things prior to the move
Involve kids in decoration plans such as bedspreads, wallpaper and paint
Get younger kids to help pack their things - toys, etc. - personalizing their box (s) with drawings and labels
Get teenagers to pack all their things
Arrange with the movers to pack the kids' personal boxes last and then remove them first

Avoiding Changes to Kids' Daily Routines

Maintain normal nap, bed, meal and play times
Avoid potty training for three weeks after moving in
Honour all current family routines - pizza nights, etc.
Do not add other routines until three weeks after moving in
Maintain stable habits to avoid stress
Do not discard kids old and unneeded things or clothes until three weeks after moving in
Respect kids' private things and space
Transport kids' favourite packed things privately
Pack rooms for smallest kids when they are at a neighbour's or at daycare

Leaving their Old Home

Memories are important to kids as well as adults so photographing the process prior to dismantling and packing will help them say goodbye to their old home.

Get kids to create their own book of memories, including pictures/photos of their treasured memories of their neighbourhood's places and people.
Let the kids host a party for their friends and give out pre-stamped postcards containing the address of their new home, as well as recording their friends' contact information. They could also take photos or video recordings of the event, allowing them to view their memories of the final days and maintain contact with their friends. Giving them a long distance calling allowance for the phone is also a good idea. Schedule return visits for them to the old neighbourhood and/or let old friends come to visit.

The Day of the Move

Have small kids and babies stay with friends, uncles, aunts or grandparents to avoid them getting confused by the reduced attention, feeling under foot and to avoid accidents. Alternatively, keep them in playpens with their treasured toys and commandeer a neighbour to watch play with and watch them.

Avoid packing kids' favourite books/toys/games into moving boxes, keeping them out to avoid boredom and allow easy access upon arrival.
Arrive before the movers to let the kids explore each room before the boxes arrive.

Ensure the kids are occupied when the movers arrive and as the contents and furniture is being offloaded as things will seem rather strange at first for them, so helping them to focus on a specific thing will prevent their minds from wandering. Most importantly keep the process as calm and positive as possible, including smiles and hugs.

Time to Settle In

Deal with the kids' rooms first. This provides a base and feelings of security. Get all their furniture set up and let them unpack their own boxes, allowing them to arrange their things in ways that please them.
Check the new home for potential spots for accidents - uncovered swimming pools, gates that are not locked, loosened window screens, wobbly steps/rails, etc. - and establish clear boundaries for the kids by letting them know where they can and cannot explore.

Unpack things that are essential first and take breaks to explore the new neighbourhood with walks, drives around the neighbourhood and trips to the park or nearest restaurant. Find activities that are available at the local zoo, museum or library, or go for a bike ride. Help the kids and yourself to take time to absorb and enjoy the new home and neighbourhood.

Unpack other things gradually, getting the kids into swimming, sports, drama and other activities that they participated in, in their old neighbourhood. This helps maintain continuity, as well as allowing them to meet new kids with like-minded interests.

Let the kids invite their new friends for a barbecue or pizza.

Expectations of Adjustments to Changes

Once everyone has settled in, reality will click in with the kids. Anger and frustration may arise more easily as they make comparisons regarding homes, jobs, schools and friends. Each kid adjusts differently, either fitting in immediately or feeling that the new neighbourhood compares adequately to their old neighbourhood. This process takes about three plus weeks, or even over a year or more.

Signals that the Adjustment is Not Going Smoothly

Moving reactions are normal, but there are warning signs that show your kid(s) may be having extra difficulties in adjusting to their newer environment. These include:

Becoming noticeably withdrawn
Sleeping problems
Nightmares
Increased crying
Increased angry outbursts
Refusing to mix with other kids
Desiring more alone time
Headaches
Bed wetting
Stomach aches
Thumb sucking
Reduced school grades
Deceased appetite
Should these persist longer than normal or increase then get advice from the kids' paediatrician or family doctor.

Overall be positive, and let the kids see this as a whole new adventure, with lots to look forward too.


Moving Tips from www.Moving.com
Handle With Special Care

Moving to a new home can be stressful for everyone, but especially for children. Younger kids often become confused when their daily routine is disrupted, while adolescents fear the loss of old friends and dread the prospect of having to make new ones in a strange school or neighborhood. But there are steps you can take to help alleviate their fears and get them involved in the move.
Communicate

First, it's important for parents to demystify the moving process by providing children with as much information as possible and allowing them to participate in decision-making discussions. This will give children a sense of control and help relieve anxiety.

Talk about the positive aspects of their new home, school and neighborhood. Try to communicate the idea that the new home, if given a fair chance, can be even better than the old one. Encourage questions and invite children to talk about their worries.

Rehearse

For younger children, the move should be made into an exciting adventure. Encourage your child to pack his or her own things, but be sure to leave favorite toys out until the very end. Act out moving day well ahead of time. A conversation could go something like this: "On Friday when you wake up, there will be a big truck in the driveway. We will have breakfast, then go into your room and show the movers which things to put on the truck. Then, after the truck is filled we will get in our car and go to our new home. Then we will tell the movers exactly where to put your things in your new room...."

Because we all fear the unknown, if possible, take children with you to look at potential neighborhoods, homes/apartments, and schools. It may be more expensive and require extra effort, but it will ease the transition and help children begin to make the adjustment. If this is not possible, take a camera or video recorder with you when you go. Your children will appreciate the photos and/or video that you bring back, and it will help them begin the transition. You can also use a map to help them understand the new area and the route you will take to get there.



If your children are really young, consider hiring a baby-sitter while you pack and on moving day. Otherwise, resist the temptation to send children away during the move. Participating will help them understand what's happening and adjust more easily to their new surroundings. Even so, don't be dismayed if your child exhibits regressive behavior such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking. It's quite normal.

Make it fun

For older children, a move that involves leaving friends, sports teams and favorite hangouts behind can be extremely difficult. Help them say good-bye to friends by hosting a good-bye party. Emphasize how easy it is to keep in touch through e-mail and the telephone; you could even give each of your children his or her own address book and make the party an opportunity for friends to write in their personal contact information.

Give older children a disposable camera and ask them to photograph your move. Once you arrive and are settled in, make time together to create the "moving" chapter of your family photo album.

Have your kids draw a picture of how they will arrange their new room.

Get back to status quo

When you are settled in your new home, resume familiar routines as soon as possible. If it is a tradition in your family to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings, for example, you should continue the practice as soon as possible in your new home.

It's O.K. to cry

Finally, don't take it personally if your children blame you for the difficulty of a move. No matter how well you've prepared them, expect them to be a little upset and allow them some time to grieve. They will almost certainly grow to love their new home just as much as the old one.

Need help planning your next move? Give us a call!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Mendham Borough Labor Day Parade

It hard to believe if you read the papers, but we have been so busy since Labor Day that we have been having a hard time finding a free moment to blog!
Let me start by saying what a success the Labor Day festivities were this year. On our two trips to the carnival, we saw lots of folks we knew and everyone seemed to be having a great time. A special thanks to the Pastime Club volunteers for all their hard work again this year.
On the day of the parade we welcomed many of our Coldwell Banker customers to join us at the office for coffee and bagels to watch the festivities. I was happy to see some old friends and meet some new ones!



Friday, August 29, 2008

The Shop on Blog Street

Somehow Realtors become the clearing house for anyone who needs to sell or give away
possessions which they no longer need or for which they no longer have room.Do we know of anyone who can use one of their treasures.

Recently one of the realtors in our office had been asked if they knew
of anyone who would like a vintage player piano.Evidentally beautiful
workmanship.
Someone else wants to buy an armoire.Do you have an extra one of those?


If you would like to enter your selling/giving articles to our Shop on Blog Street go to mendhamhomes@gmail.com and we will publish your offering.

We have had inquiry from one of our readers asking for help in finding an LEGO table.
Do you have one you would like to pass on? E-Mail us and we will give you the contact information.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Mendham Labor Day Carnival




If you're a kid in Mendham, the highlight of your summer is the Pastime Club's Labor Day Carnival. The carnival runs Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Mendham Borough Park. Today is the last day to buy tickets at the pre sale price of $10.00 a sheet, which is 33% discount. Carnival ride tickets are at Village Video, Mendham Camera, Blue Ridge Pools & Spa, Pastime Lanes and Mendham Books. The proceeds of the carnival support to local youth sports programs throughout the area. The Pastime Club has been sponsoring the carnival for over 60 years.



Don't forget to give us a call if you'd like to join us for bagels, juice and coffee at Coldwell Banker and have a great place to watch the parade go by! Call Diane, Betty or Joe at 973-543-2552.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Recycling Opportunity to Go Green


We have a golden opportunity this next month to get rid of old electronic devices which we have put aside in our garage or basement. They are gathering dust in our homes because we don't want to send them in to our landfills and yet don't know what else to do with them.
A local recycler AERC has made arrangements with our municipalities and Peapack Gladstone Bank to provide a special collection day on September 13, 2008 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. to accept computers,TVs ,Telephones,Printers etc. from residents.

We can bring them to the Administrative Building of the Peapack Gladstone Bank which is on Route 206 in Gladstone.They tell us everything will be recycled with a donation going to COTA,Children's Organ Transplant Association.

If you have defunct cell phones it is even easier to recyle .Rotary has several sites where they can be dropped off. They will be recycled and the money used by Rotary to fund a project which is focused on bringing clean water to villages in Africa and India. It is hard to imagine poverty so intense that sickness and death occur due to a lack of potable water.
Drop off your old cell phones at:

Coldwell Banker 21 East Main St. Mendham
Provident Bank East Main St. Mendham
Brookside Post Office Brookside

If you have more questions about the September 13th Recycling Event you can direct your inquiries to AERC at info@aercrecycling.com or 866-447-5177

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Labor Day Parade


Mendham celebrates Labor day with bands ,fire engines and marching teams waving flags and blowing horns.The Pastime club organizes the parade and the carnival which beckons all the children to try the rides and eat the popcorn.

You are invited to come visit Coldwell Banker at 21 East Main St. for a front row spot to review the passing scene. You will have to bring a lawn chair for total comfort. We serve coffee, orange juice and bagels to all our friends who come
share the fun. We would appreciate it if you would call Betty,Diane or Joe if you are planning on coming so that we can tell Sandi our office manager to order enough bagels etc. Even if you don't know us now ,come and get acquainted !If you forget to call come anyway! We will split our bagel with you.

The parade offers an opportunity to celebrate the essence of small town community spirit which is enthusiastically embraced as we clap and cheer our neighbors marching by!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Mendham/ Chester home market news the week of Aug. 10

New listings:

Chester Twp.
53 Furnace Road --$849,000. --listed by Coldwell Banker
8 Cromwell Drive -- $879,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
2 Meadow Brook Road -- $$1,099,000. -- listed by Weichert
2 Oak Forest Lane -- $4,300,000. -- listed by Turpin

Under Contract:
43 West Main Street -- $890,000. -- listed by Turpin

Sold:

Chester Twp.
11 Drake Lane -- $639,900. -- listed by Coldwell Banker -- $605,000. sold by Coldwell Banker
1 Ryan Court -- $950,000. --listed by Coldwell Banker-- $925,000. sold Coldwell Banker
11 Forest View Drive -- $1,075,000. listed by Coldwell Banker -- $1,037,500. sold by Weichert

Mendham Boro.
10 Hampshire Drive -- $387,500. listed by Realmart Realty --$369,000. sold by Weichert

Mendham Twp.
15 Browning Court -- $749,000. --listed by Weichert --$732,000. sold byBurgdorff
6 Winston Farm Road -- $2,450,000. -- listed by Coldwell banker --$2,062,500. sold by Keller Williams
Please give me a call if you would like further information Joe Rhodes (O) 973-543-2552
or click here CLIENT2UP

Mendham/ Chester homemarket news (sold) the weeks of July 27 & Aug 3

Sold:

Chester Boro.
195 West Main Street-unit 3 -- $39,900 -- listed byWeichert
/$39,000. sold by Weichert

Chester Twp.
2 Cowie Road -- $469,000. -- listed by Weichert/ $390,000. sold by Weichert
20 Benjamin Road -- $669,900. -- listed by Coldwell Banker/ $671,000. sold by Coldwell Banker

803 Old Chester Road -- $819,000.-- listed by Weichert/ $768,000. sold by Weichert
429 Route 24 -- $1,119,000. --listed by Godby/ $1,050,000. sold by Prudential

Mendham Boro.
14 Park Ave. --$525,000. --listed by Burgdorff/ $497,000. sold by Coldwell Banker
39 Hampshire Drive -- $659,000. --listed by Coldwell banker/ $624,500. sold by Coldwell Banker
5 Village Circle -- $660,000. --listed by Coldwell Banker/$630,000. sold by Coldwell Banker
12 Franklin Road -- $859,000. --listed by Re/Max Classic Group/$842,000. sold byWeichert
17 Hilltop Road --$899,000. --listed by Turpin/ $860,000. sold by Weichert

Mendham Twp.
3 Franklin Drive $495,000--listed by Turpin/ $463,00. sold by Weichert
1 Corey Lane -- $645,000.--listed by Weichert/ $620,000. sold by Weichert
16 Springcroft Road -- $2,850,000. --listed by Coldwell Banker/$2,850,000. sold by Coldwell Banker
34 Corey Lane --$3,900,000. --listed by Coldwell Banker/ $3,750,000. sold by Coldwell Banker
Please give me a call if you would like further information regarding these properties Joe Rhodes (O) 973-543-2552 or click here
CLIENT2UP

Friday, August 15, 2008

Mendham/ Chester home market news (under contract) the weeks of July 27 & Aug 3

Under Contract:

Chester Boro.
90 Maple Ave. -- $665,000. --listed by Weichert

Chester Twp.
59 Route 24 -- $359,000. -- listed by Weichert
356 North Road -- $444,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
17 Dellwood Road -- $515,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
7 Ming Court -- $819,000 -- listed by Weichert
4 Wood Stone Road -- $949,000. -- listed by Weichert

Mendham Boro.
29 Drake Road -- $649,000. -- listed by Weichert

Mendham Twp.
2 Wedgewood Lane -- $789,000. --listed by Weichert
3 Glenbrook Drive -- $1,849,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
4 Tall Oaks Court -- $1,849,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker

If you would like further information on any of these properties, please call Joe Rhodes (O) 973-543-2552 or click here CLIENT2UP

Mendham/ Chester home market news (new listings) weeks of July 27 & Aug 3

New Listings:

Chester Twp.
54 Ironia Road -- $499,000. -- listed by Weichert
277 Pleasant Hill Road --$575,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
17 Cramer Drive -- $599,900. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
53 Furance Road -- $849,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
8 Cromwell Drive -- $879,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
12 Burnett Brook Drive -- $899,900. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
2 Meadow Brook Road -- $1,099,000. -- listed by Weichert
3 Pine Ridge Court -- $1,799,000. -- listed by Weichert

Mendham Boro.
44 North Aberdeen Drive -- $475,000. -- listed by Pinnacle Realtors
42 Wexford Drive -- $475,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
6 South Aberdeen Drive -- $530,000. -- listed byWeichert
7 Country Lane -- $600,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker

Mendham Twp.
304 Mendham Road West -- $429,000. -- listed by Weichert
330 Pleasant Valley Road -- $1,499,000. -- listed by Re/Max Premier
6 Olmstead -- $1,540,250. -- listed by Weichert


If you would like further information about these listings please give me a call.
-Joe Rhodes (O) 973-543-2552 or click here CLIENT2UP

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The New First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit

Our Mortgae "Guru" Phyliss Byrne Nelson of Coldwell Banker Home Loans sent along this artcle to share with everyone on our blog about the new tax credit passed by the Congress for first-time home buyers.


Housing tax credit beckons new buyers
By Kenneth R. HarneyWashington Post
Article Launched: 08/03/2008 01:36:37 AM PDT

WASHINGTON - Anybody who has been sitting on the sidelines hesitant to jump into real estate until conditions settle down should know these dates: April 9, 2008, through June 30, 2009.

They mark the eligibility time span to qualify for the home purchase tax credit created by the massive housing bill approved by Congress. If you have not owned a house during the past three years - or are considering buying your first home - and can go to closing before the end of next June, you may be eligible for up to a $7,500 credit against your federal taxes for 2008 or 2009 ($3,750 if you file taxes as a single person).

The new credit is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of buyers, although Congress set no limit on how many people can qualify. Here's a quick overview.

• The basic idea: To jump-start housing sales and clear out local unsold real estate inventories, Congress is offering tax credits to pull in new purchasers. Buy any house - new, old, any location or condition, any price range within the designated time period - and the IRS will cut up to $7,500 off your tax bill for either this year or next. For example, if you're an eligible buyer of a home this year and you owe the IRS $4,000 on your total 2008 income tax bill, your $7,500 tax credit could wipe out everything you owe plus get you a $3,500 refund.
• Eligibility rules: Do you own a home now? If so, you're not eligible for the credit. Did you sell your home more than three years ago and now rent? You are eligible. The same is true if you've never owned a home before. Close on a house before next June 30, and you can claim a credit of up to 10 percent of the purchase price of the property up to a maximum of $7,500. If your adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($75,000 for singles), the credit maximum begins to phase down in increments. You cannot claim the credit if you are a non-resident alien, financed the property using a state or local housing agency tax-exempt bond mortgage, or do not plan to use the house as your principal residence.
• Payback: Unlike some past tax credit programs, this one requires beneficiaries to repay the credit over an extended period of years. Starting in the second tax year after purchase and continuing for up to 15 years, taxpayers are expected to make pro-rata repayments to the government on their federal filings. Over a 15-year payback period for the full $7,500 credit, the cost would be $500 a year. If you sell the house before the end of the repayment period, and you have no gain on the sale, you won't be expected to pay the credit back from the proceeds. If you have a net gain, the "recapture" cannot exceed the amount of your gain.

Basically, the new tax credit functions very much like an interest-free loan for up to $7,500.

Rob Dietz, an economist for the National Association of Home Builders, says the new credit not only will pull first-time buyers into the market, but also will have a powerful "multiplier effect" as thousands of sellers of these credit-assisted houses go out and purchase replacement homes for themselves.
How do you claim the credit? If you pass the eligibility tests and buy before June 30, you simply request the credit on your tax return for either 2008 or 2009, which will be modified for that purpose. Even if you purchase in 2009, you can take the credit against your 2008 taxes by filing an amended return. For more information, go to https://mail.cbmoves.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/.

Maybe the drop in housing prices along with this new tax credit is just the incentive you need to stop renting and become a buyer!

Don't forget to to call Phyliss Byrne Nelson for more information on this program or your pre approval. You can reach her at 973-224-2454 or email her at phyliss.byrne@mortgagefamily.com.

~Diane Tolley

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Mendham Township and Peapack Property Protected

If you've ever driven by this beautiful property, you'll be happy to know that according to the
The Trust for Public Land website the majority of the acreage will be preserved. I've posted the article below.

Historic Convent Will Be Protected
Built in 1906, the property originally known as Mosley Mansion was bought by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist twenty years later and converted to an orphanage.


Photo by Richard Hehmeyer


The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit land conservation organization, has signed an exclusive option agreement to purchase 144 acres in Mendham Township and Peapack Gladstone, New Jersey from the Sisters of Saint John the Baptist. The bulk of the property, 131 acres is in Mendham Township. The $13 million purchase-which includes the 66,000 square-foot former Mosley Mansion used by the religious order used as a convent, school, and orphanage-is expected to take place in September. At the invitation of Conservation Resources, which has served as open space advisor to Mendham Township on this project, TPL has been working closely with the township on the purchase. Mendham Township has been interested in preserving the property for the past several years, and the township will ultimately manage the open space portion of the property as a new local park.
"A chance to buy a property like this comes along once in a lifetime," said Richard Hehmeyer, project manager for The Trust for Public Land. "We are so grateful that the Sisters of St. John the Baptist are willing to sell the land for conservation so that future generations can continue to enjoy it."
The property is the site of Mount Saint John Convent and home to eleven Baptistine Sisters. When the order was much larger, there were as many as 30 sisters living at the convent and running services and programs, including an orphanage and a school.
The orphanage closed in 1937. The school closed in 1992, and the number of sisters living at the convent has declined, making the sale of the property inevitable. The sisters have received offers from developers, but are willing to sell to The Trust for Public Land for a competitive price. The purchase is a top priority for the Township of Mendham, which plans to make the existing athletic fields available to the public and offer access to the significant open space surrounding the buildings. The land is also at the headwaters of a significant stream the Gladstone Brook.
"Without The Trust for Public Land, this would not have happened," said Mendham Township Mayor Richard Krieg. "Our open space trust committee is to be commended for having reached out to the sisters early on, letting them know that we were interested if they ever wished to sell. When that time came, they came back to us."
Working closely with the township, The Trust for Public Land will subdivide the land. The buildings and 15 to 25 acres will be sold and the remainder will become local parkland.
There are approximately 90,000 square feet of building space including the convent and school building. Originally known as the Mosley Mansion, built in 1906, the property was purchased at auction by the sisters in 1926. They added two wings to the building and ran many charitable outreaches from this base. The building and grounds continue to serve as a retreat for priests and sisters and other visitors as well as conferences. TPL and the township are working with several interested nonprofit organizations regarding the sale of the buildings, the proceeds of which will offset the contribution required to preserve the remainder of the property.
Funds for the purchase of the approximately 120-acre open space portion of the property will come from a number of sources, including the Township of Mendham, The Trust for Public Land, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program. TPL and the township will submit an application to the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund later this month. Additionally, the partners have had preliminary discussions with several other organizations, including the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, the Schiff Natural Lands Trust, and the Upper Raritan Watershed Association, about participating in this project.
The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 2.2 million acres of land in 46 states, including more than 23,000 acres in New Jersey. Locally, TPL has done significant work with Rockaway Township, protecting Egbert's Lake and the Herman J. Koehler III property within the last year. The group also protected historic properties in Morris County including the Glen Alpin House in Harding Township and an addition to the Morristown National Historical Park. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve our land for people mission.
Since their arrival in the United States in 1906 at Saint Lucy's Parish in Newark, NJ, the Sisters of Saint John the Baptist, whether in inner-city neighborhoods or suburban parishes, have served God's people through education, nursing home care for the elderly, missionary service, parish ministry, counseling, and social work.
~Diane Tolley

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Camera Ready

Once that difficult decision is reached to sell your home the next question to be answered is "how do we go about it?" The preparation process is often started many months before your home is ready to be marketed. As experienced professionals we are well prepared to help you at this point. We are not examining your closets or basement for neatness. We are looking at the overall presentation of your home. What should be updated, what can be fine tuned, what can't be changed without a lot of money or effort? Should you be selling now? What is the market like for your home?

You then move on to the next stage. Organizing your home as it will appear to prospective Buyers. Successful marketing of a home entails conveying the essence of the property through pictures and descriptive words in the copy. Our job is to guide you and help you so that you get the maximum price for your home. With almost 83% of buyers starting their search on the internet, great photos are essential. Here are two different photos of the same room as shown on the website 37 signals. Which one looks like the house you'd want your realtor to show you?














A professional photographer who has been outstanding in taking photos which are compatible with nternet marketing and also invaluable in creating beautiful brochures is Fran Downey. Her company is Realty Graphics and she has put together a list of hints which helps you focus on "spiffing up " your home for pictures. Click here to read more of her suggestions.
If you'd like some suggestions in preparing your home for sale, feel free to give us a call or email us at mendhamhomes@gmail.com.
~Betty Kiser and Diane Tolley

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Truth in Renting



It seems like rentals are moving faster then ever these days. The 2007 version of THE TRUTH IN RENTING booklet is available online in PDF form for you to download free of cost from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website. This guide outlines the responsibilities and laws for landlords and tenants in the state of New Jersey. If you are a landlord, you must supply a copy to your tenant when you enter into a lease. Additional forms, bulletins, laws and regulations can be found on the New Jersey Community Affairs page titled Bureau of Homeowners Protection.
If you're considering owning rental property, now is the time to invest. Home prices are down and rental demand is up. We'd love to help you find the perfect investment property.

Monday, July 28, 2008

August Happenings In Chester

The Borough of Chester has two great events to look forward to in the month of August. Saturday, August 2nd the Community Presbyterian Church will be holding it's annual Peach Festival from 10 A.M to 4 P. M. There is always a great white elephant sale and county auction. If you have to clean out some closets, it's not to late to donate some items. Lunch will be served and there will be hand made crafts and homemade jams & jellies for sale. Of course you can count on enjoying some delicious peach ice cream and fresh peach pie.

For more information check out their website at http://cpcchester.org/peach/events.html



On August 16th (Raindate - August 17th) you can head to Chester for a great day of music at The Black River Music and Art Fest. This free event features over 20 local music performers and the works of local artists. This is a great way to spend the day with friends and family!

Check out the line up of performers:

2008 PARTICIPANTS

Billy http://www.billyband.com/

Busterman http://www.bustermanproductions.com/

Melinda Davis and the Eleventh Hour http://www.melindadavis.net/
D Jay web.mac.com/djaysmusic

double-breasted www.myspace.com/doublebreasted

Echofission http://www.echofission.com/

Faber, Sidotti

Brian Fitzpatrick http://www.brian-fitzpatrick.com/

Paul Gargiulo http://www.paulgargiulo.com/

Gary Paul Hermus http://www.garypaulhermus.com/

The Alisa Jesslyn Band myspace.com/ahleesahmusic

Justpassingthru http://www.justpassingthru.net/

Caren Kennedy http://www.carenkennedy.com/

The Kimballs http://www.thekimballsrock.com/

Lloyd United http://www.lloydunited.com/

Thomas Martin http://www.martin-music.com/

Masqued Thrill www.myspace.com/masquedthrill
Joe McKay http://www.goodacoustic.com/

Brian McLoughlin http://www.brianmcloughlin.com/

Rik Mercaldi www.myspace.com/rikmercaldi

The Nairobi Trio myspace.com/thenairobitrio

Jeff Randall
Randy Morning

Ed Saultz http://www.edsaultz.com/

Universal Rebel http://www.urebelini.org/

Tom Vella and the Wayside http://www.thewaysideband.com/

The Wag thewagband.com

Wiser Time http://www.wiser-time.com/

Bob Wolfman www.myspace.com/bobwolfman

Mark your calenders today!

~Diane Tolley

Friday, July 25, 2008

Market News in Mendham/ Chester the week of 7/21/2008

New Listings:

Chester Borough
7 Windy Top Lane -- $950,000. -- listed by Prudential NJ Properties

Chester Twp.
2 Highland Drive -- $1,050,000. --listed by Weichert Realtors
10 highland Drive -- $1,250,000. --listed by Weichert Realtors

Mendham Borough
65 West Main Street -- $1,500,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
19 Balbrook Drive -- $3,790,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker

Mendham Twp.
6 Lake Drive -- $259,900. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
7 Barbarita Hill Road -- $357,000. -- listed by Realty Center

Under Contract:

Chester Twp.
11 Drake Lane -- $639,000. -- listed by ColdwellBanker
17 Dogwood Drive -- $689,000. -- listed byColdwell Banker
4 Farm Road -- $750,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker
1 Ryan Court -- $950,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker

Mendham Borough
5 Village Circle -- $660,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker

Mendham Twp.
6 Combs Hollow Road -- $1,895,000. -- listed by Weichert Realtors

Sold:

Chester Twp.
8 Farm Road -- $699,000. -- $699,000 -- listed by Weichert Realtors -- sold for $684,500. by ReMax Elite Services

Mendham Twp.
56 Walsingham Road -- $1,195,000. -- listed by Weichert Realtors -- sold for $1,162,500. by Coldwell Banker
2 Lone Spruce Trail -- $1,799,000. -- listed by Coldwell Banker -- sold for $1,720,000. by Weichert Realtors

If you would like further information about these listings please give us a call or click here

CLIENT2UP

Summer Heat Wave Escape

Okay so I haven't posted in a few days...




You see, one of the greatest things about living here is that we are only one hour from the excitement of New York City and one hour from the tranquility of the Delaware Water Gap. This week my family took our tents and gear to the Dingmans Ferry, Pa. Campground. (People and location were great, bathhouses - not so great.)



All 11 of us went on a canoe trip down the Delaware River - a perfect way to spend the day during a summer heat wave with tempatures around 90 degrees. We put the 3 canoes with tubes tied to the back in the river at the Smithfield Beach Access point. The river was slow moving and it took 4 hours to reach the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center.







We also discovered some terrific waterfalls
with the perfect swimming hole.




If you need any suggestions just send me an email, give me call or check out the links below.


There's still lots of summer left to enjoy
~Diane Tolley