We love to eat. Most of the time we cook at home, particularly since our fabulous (and expensive) kitchen renovation, but it is always fun to go out for a meal. We’re very lucky here. We have many fantastic restaurants to choose from in our area, from casual and inexpensive to the opposite. Chatham Borough alone has over a dozen restaurants (this may in part account for the town being so desirable). Some are good, some are great! There are a few I have not yet tried.

For years, however, people have raved to me about Scalini Fedeli a beautiful, upscale dining establishment on Main Street. I had dinner there several years ago, not once but twice and had found the food to be mediocre and overly complicated, the service was merely ok, and the noise level was deafening. I stopped going. In its place I enjoyed very much going to Restaurant Serenade on Roosevelt Street. Another upscale dining establishment that changed hands at about the same time I had the not-so-wonderful experiences at Scalini.

Yet, over the years, people kept raving to me about Scalini. Ok, some people may be easy to please. But the commentary was overwhelming so that I had to revisit Scalini. Wow! What a wonderful dining experience! The food was not overly complicated but more than I would try at home and the result was absolutely scrumptious. Oh, yes, the service was impeccable and the noise level issue must have been dealt with because we were able to speak and hear each other clearly without shouting.

I recently introduced a friend to Serenade and he commented that it was quite special, but equally special is Scalini. I can’t help, now, but agree.

Bon appétit and have a wonderful weekend!

Remodeling Magazine has an annual “Cost vs Value Report” which shows exterior and replacement projects that bring the biggest return. This data is collected on a national level and, of course, there are local variances. In our areas … Chatham, Summit, Short Hills, Madison … the prime items to upgrade or update in our homes are still kitchens and baths.

What may be surprising to some is that a “minor” upgrade to a kitchen or bath will net a larger return than a full renovation. If you’ve a 1950’s kitchen, a full renovation may be very appropriate but if you have an 80’s kitchen, usually the most cost effective and worthwhile work is fairly, well, “minor”.

What, you ask, is “minor”? Usually that entails new counters (yes, granite is the baseline these days), appliances (still stainless steel), floor (wood or tile), hardware, sink/faucet, perhaps backsplash and of course, always, a fresh coat of paint. According to Remodeling Magazine, this “minor kitchen remodel” should cost approximately $23,694 in New York. They also estimate the recouped cost to be 95.6%.

I disagree with this. I find that when showing moderate houses to buyers, say in the $700-800,000 range in Summit, NJ, and one has an 80’s kitchen with green formica counters, white 15 year old appliances, and all of the wonderful 1980’s decorator touches versus one with “minor renovations” as described above, the price is generally at least $30-50,000 more. The large spread is based a lot on the factors, some of which is supply & demand, quality of the basics and layout, etc.

Interestingly, wood window replacement scored very high in recouped value for our area … 104.6%!

For expert real estate advice for Chatham, Madison, Morristown, Summit, New Providence, Millburn and Short Hills in NJ or for a copy of the complete article as reprinted in Realtor Magazine, call me at 201-960-2090 or email me at Trish@BestNJHomes.com.

Hi there,

If you're not interested in moving, chances are you're making improvements to your existing home. Something I am thinking a lot about is global warming and what can I do to reduce pollution and use of our limited resources. So, "green" practices and products will help leave a cleaner environment for the next generation.

Homeowners who remodel existing homes to improve energy efficiency and homebuyers who purchase environmentally friendly new homes may be eligible for a state tax rebate or deduction for their green building efforts. Many states offer tax incentives to those who use green building or remodeling techniques in their homes. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm?EE=1&RE=1 (DSIRE) lists all the states’ different tax incentives, which vary depending on the type of project. The Federal government also offers homeowner incentives for going green. For example, the Residential Solar and Fuel Cell Tax Credit http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/incentive2.cfm?Incentive_Code=US37F&State=Federal&currentpageid=1 established a 30 percent tax credit up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of residential solar electric and solar water heating products. The credit will expire at the end of 2008.

I hope this helps. Have a great day!

Preparing Your Home for Sale, Part IV

Final touches:

1. Carpets cleaned
2. Windows washed
3. Patios power washed
4. Professional house cleaning (don't forget the basement, including unfinished areas)

A house that sparkles is totally appreciated by buyers in the Chatham, NJ area as with most other places. It's not too silly to bake cookies prior to showings ... everyone loves the scent of a home that bakes cookies!

Call or email me for a custom recommendation on preparing your home for sale, tailored to your home, needs and abilities. My cell phone is 201-960-2090 or email Trish@BestNJhomes.com.

Be well, :)

Trish

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE, PART III

First impressions are … well, you’ve only got one chance to make a first impression.

OUTSIDE:
1. Make sure your driveway is free of potholes, etc. Give it a coat of that black stuff if it’s in good shape but looks a bit tired
2. Paint … I know I repeat myself sometimes but this is the time to make sure your paint is not peeling. Give the front door a fresh coat whether you think it needs it or not. Red is a good color, depending on the house color. I remember the lady who did not want to take my advice on the door color until her longtime painter concurred. I received more inquiries on the house with the red door than any other in recent memory.
3. Walkway, porch and steps. Make sure they are in good condition and safe.
4. Water and fertilize the grass. Cut it as often as it needs it. Keep it neat.
5. Plant flowers along the walkway to the front door, around the patio in the back and put planters on the front porch and back patio or deck. Make it welcoming and neat.
6. Remove old worn patio furniture and replace with something pretty and simple, if appropriate. Make potential buyers visualize themselves out there … bbq with friends and new neighbors anyone?

To find out which exterior improvements buyers in the Chatham, NJ area are looking for in the home they are shopping for, give me a call at 201-960-2090 or send me an email at Trish@BestNJHomes.com. It is a sure way to maximize the net proceeds of your most valuable asset.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

So, now that you've cleaned out the clutter and the closets, it's time to make some serious and not-so-serious improvements in your quest to prepare your home for sale in the Chatham, NJ real estate market, this is what counts most:

INSIDE:

1. Fresh paint. Keep it neutral but warm.
If you're going to use trendy colors, make sure it's today's trend and that it fits with the decor. The most inexpensive and important investment you can make in the value of your home is a fresh coat of paint, everywhere.

2. Minor kitchen update.
It really depends on your kitchen, but usually that means new counters (granite anyone?), sink, faucet (brushed nickel is the current trend), new hardware (again, brushed nickel is popular), maybe new appliances, new floor (large, light ceramic tile or wood), new backsplash (depending on your old one), and, of course, fresh paint.

3. Pull up carpets and shine up those wood floors.
Sometimes refinishing the floors is a very good idea. Again, it depends on what you have. If you have carpet, consider putting a wood floor in. Especially in the living areas.

4. Minor bathroom remodeling.
It depends ... usually new vanity with new sink and faucet (brushed nickel sound familiar? how about granite?), regrouting or replacing some of the tile, a new light fixture is often overlooked but can do wonders.

5. Final touches ...
New towels, bath rugs, throw pillows, bed linens and other small, inexpensive touches will add immeasurably to the warmth and appeal of your home.

I can help you stage your home to make sure you sell your home for the highest possible price. If these recommendations are appropriate, the return will be at least 100% more than the cost! Call me at 201-960-2090 or email me at Trish@BestNJhomes.com.
There is no cost for this valuable service!

If you own a home and are considering a move, high on your mind is: "What can I do to make sure I get the best price for my house". That leads directly to preparing your home for sale.

The first thing to do is to remove clutter. That means cleaning out the attic, the basement, the closets, the kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Make one of three decisions for every item:
1. Keep. This item is moving with you;
2. Give away. This item is of value and can go to a family member or to Goodwill. Just remember that if a family member is to take it they need to take it now, not the day before closing;
3. Throw away. Anything that does not fit into category 1 or 2 goes to recycling or trash.

For those of us who are collectors, this is very, very difficult, I know. But, if your house appears crowded and cluttered, buyers will not be able to see beyond your things to the house, which is what you are really selling.

And yes, there is one other option. Rent a storage space and move things there. This is especially appropriate if you are moving to a larger home and will have room there for all your things. The cost is minimal but the results are very worthwhile!

If you're not sure how much to declutter, call me and I'll come and give you some staging recommendations. I specialize in selling homes in Chatham, Madison, Summit, Short Hills, NJ and surrounding communities. Staging will help you make the highest sale!