Quiet Seclusion

Nothing says luxury more than an elegant estate set among 3 or more acres of private, landscaped land that can be enjoyed from your very own deck and/or patio.

All along the Jersey Shore, there are numerous Hudson County, NJ properties that fit that description.

One of my favorites has to be the one we looked at today. The master bedroom opened to a full walk-out deck where you could hear the birds chirping and the see the squirrels jumping from tree to tree.

The property itself had been masterfully planned with a nice mix of ornate shrubbery, plantings and an astounding flower garden.

The grounds were enhanced by a small pond and stone walk-way that led from the pool and patio to an overlook where you could see the frogs frolic about the water.

My, I thought how nice a venue this would make for my daughter's wedding and subsequent reception.

Home Buying Market Update

Take a look at the marketplace, while supply has surpassed demand and home are on the market longer, the average pricing on available homes continues to increase. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that pricing on new homes has increased 8 percent over the last year.

While building materials have continued to rise in the last few months, and the cost of financing a home continues to rise, the good news is that interest rates have continued to drop over the last six weeks. The 30-year fixed mortage is almost 40 points lower than the peak of 6.8 percent earlier this summer.

As the market has changed and with a growing inventory of unsold properties and real estate listings in New Jersey, buyers have become more selective and are looking for homes that have a better chance of increasing in value over the next few years.

Basking in Luxury

What strike me the most on my latest trip to New Jersey, was the array of various architecture styles of upscale luxury real estate listings across the state... in Middletown, Holmdel, Montgomery Township, Montclair and more.

There were elegant, river-front French Country Manor homes with panoramic water views. As soon as you see one you like, then there's another. Oh, this beautiful colonial Holmdel property was simply spectacular. Beyond the architecture, the extraordinary gardens and landscaping made it hard to walk, much less look away.

After a nice drive, my eye was immediately drawn to a hilltop New Jersey home for sale. Goodness it had its very own lagoon pool set among a stone walk-way and romantic over bridge. All-in-all, the combination of privacy, elegance and modern luxury were very alluring.

Wow! I wasn't sure where to begin and now I don't know where to end... boy it's late, certainly something that'll make for a good night's sleep.

Sellers Require Personal Attention

When you consider how much time you put into making your house a very special home, then no doubt you realize that you deserve just as much personal attention when you decide to sell your property.

You have a lot of personal investment in and attachment to your home, whether you've been there 5, 10, twenty or thirty plus years.

Having high expectations in the type of offers you will garner for your home begins by having high expectations in the quality of your listing agent. Make sure that they give you and your home very detailed attention in all aspects of the presentation and sales material.

Do they listen and understand your wishes, wants and desires? Have they captured the essence and uniqueness of your property, including architecture, history, style, amenities and assets?

Expect only the best and your best interests will be served!!!

What Matters Most

Luxury real estate has taken the biggest hit in the market across all residential housing. Yet, people are continuing to inquire about the million dollar properties, however clients are becoming more and more selective as to how quickly they are willing to make an offer.

The key to selling these properties is showcasing the house as a home and its unique amenities side-by-side with the attractions of the surrounding area, be it recreation, leisure, entertainment, schools or the neighborhood. Ask yourself why you bought this home in the first place.

Consider re-doing the landscaping, the interior decorating, highlight renovations or property upgrades. Has the home been tested for Radon, Mold or Termites?

How about the roof, siding or paint; is anything in need of repair or if it has been upgraded, is this something you can highlight when you meet with the potential home buyer?

The property might have sold you years ago, but the market has changed, maybe its time you help sell the property.

Your experienced New Jersey Real Estate Agent/Realtor should be quite versed in helping you address these issues.

Monmouth County, New Jersey

If you have ever been to Monmouth County, then you know what we mean when we say this this entire area offers a bit of luxury mixed with style and liesure. The thriving communities and breathtaking views are the perfect backdrop for any family looking to settle down and raise their kids while enjoying life's simple pleasures.

From elegant waterfront homes to extravagant condominium properties, real estate in Monmouth County has never been better.

This striking area along the New Jersey shore offers home owners all types of recreational liesures, great schools, excellent local government services, convenient shopping and a great business economy.

Monmouth County has been called the place to go "for real estate with charm, romance and elegance."

State of the New Jersey Market

The recent down-turn in the market has caused everyone to take a closer look at how they approach and do business in this environment, especially those serving the real estate market in New Jersey, Hudson County, Weekawken and Monmouth County.

Business owns are re-considering their very model, turning more to the Internet, dumping print advertising and re-examing the very role of the real estate agent and/or Realtor.

As home prices dip and sellers question the standard commission rate, can agencies continue to invest unlimited funds during a down market.