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Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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BUYERS: LEARN TO COMPROMISE IN A SELLER’S MARKET

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 20, 2021

BUYERS: LEARN TO COMPROMISE IN A SELLER’S MARKET

As we enter mid-fall, inventories of homes on the market remain low across the NJ-NY metro region. Potential buyers remain frustrated by the lack of houses and the speed of sales. It seems to many buyers that as soon as they see a listing they like, the house is sold before they have a chance to take a closer look.

In this type of market, it’s crucial for buyers not to get caught up in finding the “perfect” house. It’s better to start by deciding what you’re willing to compromise to find a house that will be a good fit. Price is one key factor. You may need to look at houses below your budget in order to buy.

Being flexible on location is also suggested, especially if you’re looking in areas with extremely low inventories. Consider expanding your search to different neighborhoods or nearby towns. You may also have to think about houses that are not turn-key condition. While a total fixer-upper may not be for everyone, take a second look at houses that need some work.

The key is to remember that broadening your search may open up new possibilities.

COMFORTING SHADES OF NATURE ARE THE LATEST COLOR TRENDS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 13, 2021

COMFORTING SHADES OF NATURE ARE THE LATEST COLOR TRENDS

The new color trend predictions for 2022 reflect the themes of comfort and renewal as our homes remain a warm retreat. Major paint brands say that homeowners are looking for colors found in nature to give their rooms a tranquil look.

Soothing greens: Sherwin-Williams has selected Evergreen Fog as their 2022 color of the year. This subdued green can work as a wall color in any room. Glidden has chosen Guacamole, a slightly brighter green that is especially suited for kitchens and bathrooms.

Tranquil blues: Trending shades of blue range from dark cobalt to watery blue greens. Behr’s color palette for 2022 includes five different hues, including their color of the year, Breezeway. Pair a muted blue with a dark blue accent wall to change the look of your living or family room.

Earthy browns:  Creamy neutral browns and darker wood tones are on Valspar’s 2022 color palette, including peach and dark walnut. Darker neutrals pair well with light blues and greens, especially as an accent or in woodwork. Creamy beige walls can create a comforting bedroom or welcoming dining room.

OVERLOOKED HOME TASKS TO TACKLE THIS YEAR

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – October 6, 2021

OVERLOOKED HOME TASKS TO TACKLE THIS YEAR

Most homeowners have a seasonal checklist of maintenance items they take care of. But here are four crucial home maintenance items that are often overlooked and that could spell trouble if neglected.

Clean the dryer vent:  A build up of dryer lint and dust in the dryer hose and vent can create a fire hazard and cause the dryer to work inefficiently.

Clean coils behind refrigerator: Dust, animal pet hair and other debris can collect on the coils behind the refrigerator and can cause the condenser to work harder to keep your food cold. Cleaning the coils seasonally may extend the life of your appliance.

Clean your bathrooms’ exhaust fans: When dust builds up on exhaust fan covers, they don’t work as efficiently. Be sure to remove, wash and dry the exhaust fan covers once or twice a year to remove dust and dirt.

Have the chimney swept: Have your chimney flue cleaned by a professional chimney sweep to remove creosote, the residue left behind from burning wood in a fireplace, and to clear out blockages such as animal nests.  

COZY FALL OUTDOOR DECOR IDEAS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 29, 2021

COZY FALL OUTDOOR DECOR IDEAS

There’s no better time than fall to enjoy sunny days and cool evenings. Here are some outdoor fall décor ideas that will inspire you to entertain guests or simply relax in your outdoor spaces.

String some lights along your deck or porch railings for some ambiance. There are many budget-friendly solar options, from café lights to deck post lights that are simple to install.  Solar lights also work well to light up front yard or backyard walkways.

Change the look of your outdoor furniture. Swap out your summer cushions with some fall-themed pillows and warm throw blankets for cooler evenings. Many colors work for fall beyond the traditional oranges and yellows. Try a mix of subdued blue and cream, or black and white plaid with a touch of red for a fresh look.

Add a propane fire pit. No room in your yard for a traditional wood-burning firepit? A clean-burning, propane-fueled fire pit is a versatile option to bring the warmth of a fire to your outdoor gathering without worrying about firewood. Some propane fire pits also double as an extra outdoor table.

NJ REAL ESTATE MARKETS STRONG HEADING INTO FALL

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 22, 2021

NJ REAL ESTATE MARKETS STRONG HEADING INTO FALL

The fall real estate market is shaping up to be more of the same – low inventories and higher prices, bucking the trend of the usual expectations for September and October.

Historically, fall is a great time to buy in the NJ-NY markets. In typical years, there are more houses on the market, giving buyers more options and more time to shop. However, this year remains far from typical, with many markets seeing high prices, bidding wars, and lightning-fast sales.

According to new market data from Realtor.com, as of September 11, 2021, new listings nationwide were up only 2%, while median listing prices rose 9.7%. In New Jersey, new listings are down about 11% versus a year ago. Prices also remain on the uptick, with median pricing for single family homes up more than 20% from a year ago, data from New Jersey Realtors shows.

Scattered municipalities throughout the state have minimal inventories that are even lower than state averages, including towns in central and southern NJ. There is also strong buyer interest along the Jersey Shore markets.

CLASSIC BULBS TO PLANT IN THE FALL

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 15, 2021

CLASSIC BULBS TO PLANT IN THE FALL

Planting bulbs in the cooler fall weather is the perfect way to get a jump start on your spring garden. There are a wide variety of perennial bulbs to choose from for New Jersey’s planting zones (6a-7b), providing a rainbow of spring color. Start choosing your bulbs now and plant after the ground has cooled but before it freezes.

Here are some classic bulbs to add to your garden:

· Hyacinths: These hardy and deer resistant bulbs can be planted any time after the first frost. These fragrant blooms come in shares of purple, pink, white and yellow.

· Grape hyacinths: These tiny blue flowers, also called muscari, do well along garden borders. Plant in a clump for best results.

· Daffodils: Plant these spring favorites in an area that gets full sun. You can either plant single bulbs or dig a larger area and plant a group of 7-10 bulbs.

· Crocus: These earliest blue and purple spring flowers often peek out of the snow. Plant crocus bulbs along garden borders, also in a grouping of 10-12 bulbs.

· Snow drops: Another early spring favorite, these showy white flowers can be planted in a part-shade location. Plant in well-drained soil.