Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

News/Blog

TOP FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 30, 2022

TOP FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

October is fire safety month, which means it’s a good time to review some of the precautions you can take for your home and yard.

  1. Install smoke detectors on every level in your home, including inside bedrooms and near all sleeping areas. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
  2. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home, including the basement and near any attached garage. Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 7 years.
  3. Test the alarms on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home monthly to make sure they are working properly.
  4. Place fire extinguishers nearby kitchens, fireplaces, and work areas in your home, including basements and garages.
  5. Be sure to clean built up lint from your clothes dryer, including exhaust ducts.
  6. Have fireplaces and chimneys cleaned and inspected before using them each year.
  7. Use candles with caution.  Never leave burning candles unattended.
  8. Follow fire safety rules when using a firepit.
  9. Create a fire safety escape plan and review the plan with everyone in your household.

WITH GRATITUDE: THANKSGIVING 2022

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 23, 2022

WITH GRATITUDE: THANKSGIVING 2022

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I would like to express my thanks to all my clients, colleagues, and friends. As the saying goes, “It’s not joy that makes us grateful but gratitude that makes us joyful.”  I am grateful for every individual that I connect with each week – you have truly made a difference to everyone around you.

I appreciate the support and loyalty of my friends and clients. I am also thankful for the dedication and contributions of my colleagues who share their time, ideas and talent throughout the year. To my readers, thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and opinions with you every week.

Wishing all of you a Thanksgiving holiday filled with peace, joy and love.

With gratitude and appreciation,

ADD VALUE TO YOUR KITCHEN WITH TILE FLOORING

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 16, 2022

ADD VALUE TO YOUR KITCHEN WITH TILE FLOORING

Choosing to upgrade the flooring in your home is one good way to increase the value of your home. Durable and traditional flooring materials such as hardwood floors and tile will never be out of style. These flooring upgrades typically produce a strong return on investment.

Tile flooring is an excellent choice for kitchens that will also add value to your home. Ceramic tile is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also is sturdy enough to hold up to kitchen foot traffic. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as well as waterproof. Tile floors are available in countless colors and styles that can suit any décor. However, you can’t go wrong by choosing neutral tones or classic patterns if you’re planning to sell your home.

One of the current kitchen tile flooring trends reflects the modern farmhouse style, with ceramic plank tiles that mimic hardwood flooring. Classic patterns such as black and white checkerboard or herringbone work well with a number of different styles, including traditional and transitional. Tile flooring is also an excellent choice if you’re considering radiant heat under the kitchen floor, a popular luxury upgrade.

USE COLORS FROM NATURE FOR A CALM, RELAXING HOME

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 9, 2022

USE COLORS FROM NATURE FOR A CALM, RELAXING HOME

Colors and textures from nature will be trending in 2023. From earthy desert tones to cool blues and greens, these elements can work to bring a calm and relaxed feeling to every room in the home.

Kitchen: Warmer woods and natural tones are returning to kitchen cabinets. Balance the color scheme by pairing dark cabinets with lighter walls and backsplashes. Creamy granite or quartz countertops and blue or green accents can complete the look.

Living room: Adding nature-inspired colors and textures is an easy way to change the look of your living room for the seasons. As winter approaches, try adding chunky knit throw blankets and pillows in winter whites or terracotta. For a more traditional look that works for the holiday season, choose classic red, black, or forest green plaid pillows and throws.

Bedroom: For a calming bedroom retreat, consider neutral colors for walls and add accent colors with bedding and artwork. Greige, or a mixture of off-white and gray, is a trending color that pairs well with nature-inspired florals and coastal blues. Mix pale grays with various shades of purple or orchid for a more dramatic look.

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKETS SHIFT WHILE NJ TRENDS STAY LOCALIZED

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – November 2, 2022

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKETS SHIFT WHILE NJ TRENDS STAY LOCALIZED

Real estate markets are shifting in favor of buyers in many locations around the nation as rising interest rates remain a key factor. But in New Jersey, markets remain very localized as areas with considerable demand continue to experience low inventories of homes.

As we approach the final weeks of the year, the increase in mortgage rates is limiting budgets and financing options for many buyers, who in some cases are pulling out of the current market. According to new national real estate reports, pending home sales were down 10.2% nationwide in September.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, in September median home prices slipped lower from the previous month. However, on a year-to-year basis, median prices statewide were 7.1% higher than they were a year ago. Inventories are still lower in many markets. Prices remain strong in the most desirable markets, despite increases in interest rates.

Prospective buyers who are still looking to make a purchase before the end of the year should be prepared by securing a mortgage pre-approval before they seriously begin to look at homes. Sellers won’t consider an offer without a pre-approval letter. Meanwhile, buyers may want to widen their search to more areas.

CONSIDER A SMART THERMOSTAT TO SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 26, 2022

CONSIDER A SMART THERMOSTAT TO SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS

If your home uses an older or thermostat, you may want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to help save energy and lower your heating and cooling costs.

Smart thermostats are connected to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection. Through a  several advanced features, smart thermostats make it easier to manage the heating and cooling of your home. By learning your family’s preferences and routines, smart thermostats then automatically adjusting the temperature based on this information, saving energy over time.

Most popular smart thermostats have the following main features:

* App-enabled so that you can control the temperature from your smartphone.

* Respond to voice control via smart speaker devices such as Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.

* Easy to use touch screens.

* Occupancy sensors that recognize when someone is at home and then modify the temperature automatically.

Most smart thermostats are fairly simple to install, even in older homes.

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