Princeton Real Estate

Beatrice Bloom, Princeton Real Estate Agent

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Homeownership

YOU’RE INVITED TO A WEICHERT “VIRTUAL” MARKET UPDATE SEMINAR

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You’re invited to a Weichert “Virtual” Market Update Seminar 

Presented by: John Burke, Manager

He will discuss an update of market conditions and how they impact real estate decisions. How the current pandemic is affecting our ability to conduct real estate transactions.  Is it a good time to buy or sell? He will review specific situations.

Join us on zoom!

Wednesday, April 29th at 6:30 pm

Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 am

Saturday, May 16th at 11:00 am

Visit PrincetonMarketSeminar.com or call 609-577-2989 to register. 

We’ll send you a link upon registration.

TIME TO REDECORATE?

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – March 4, 2020

TIME TO REDECORATE?

Whether you’re furnishing your very first place or redoing a house you’ve owned for decades, decorating can be a challenging task, filled with costly decisions whose outcomes could haunt you for years. So, how do you figure out which style is right for you? 

Take a critical look at your current home. What do you like about it? What do you dislike? Are your feelings prompted by the aesthetics of the decor? The comfort? The fabrics? The colors?

Create a wish list. Write down everything you would like to do, if money were no object. 

Start collecting pictures of rooms you like. Many people find it difficult to articulate what they want, but don’t let that deter you; those photos you’ve collected can convey that information for you. 

Look at the characteristics that pop up again and again. The style of furnishings, the color palettes, the patterns, the materials, the quantity of furniture in each room…let those characteristics guide you. Trust your instincts.

If you have the budget to do everything at once, by all means go for it. If you want everything done at once, but can’t afford it right now, save your money and do it all at once later. It’s best to complete one entire room before moving on to the next, rather than doing a little bit in several different rooms at once.

Source: Houzz

COST-EFFECTIVE REMEDIES FOR DRAFTY WINDOWS

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 26, 2020

COST-EFFECTIVE REMEDIES FOR DRAFTY WINDOWS

When the temperature outside drops, drafty windows can make your home uncomfortably chilly and your utility bills soar. Here are some suggestions to help keep your home warm and hard-earned money in your pocket. (Of course, the overall best long-term solution is investing in new windows, but these are more cost-effective alternatives.)

· Purchase a window-draft sock

· Install storm windows

· Plastic shrink wrap (window insulator kit)

· Replace weather stripping

· Re-caulk

· Hang heavy insulating draperies

· And last — try bubble wrap! While not the prettiest solution, it’s a great insulator.

Before you invest money in any of these solutions, you will first need to identify where the drafts are coming from. Light a candlestick (careful not to drip hot wax on your hand!) and slowly move the flame around the window. If the flame bends, you will know that spot needs attention. Simply take some painter’s tape to mark the spot before applying the recommendations listed above.

POPULAR ARCHITECTURAL STYLES OF HOMES

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 19, 2020

POPULAR ARCHITECTURAL STYLES OF HOMES

There is a wide range of architectural styles available for homes. Listed below are the main styles trending currently in the U.S. 

· Craftsman Bungalow: Defining features include columned front porches, low-pitched roofs and double-hung windows with divided panes in the upper sash and one large pane in the lower sash.

· Cape Cod: Quaint structures recognized by their steep roofs, central chimneys, shingle siding and symmetrical windows framing the front door.

· Ranch: Beloved by Americans for its open, single-story floor plans, attached front garages, sliding glass doors and low rooflines.

· Contemporary: Guiding principles of these modern dwellings include sustainability, energy efficiency, open floor plans and abundance of natural light.

· Victorian homes: Vibrantly colored and asymmetrical, these homes are very distinct from the other styles listed, due to varied rooflines, turrets, spindlework and prominent front porches.

· Colonial Revival: Symmetrical two-story homes that often feature a grand entryway, dormers and evenly spaced windows with shutters.

· Tudor: Half-timber framing and steeply pitched rooflines are hallmarks of Tudor architecture.

· Townhouses: Both space-conscious and practical, townhouses became popular in the early 19th century and continues to endure today. 

· Mid-Century Modern: This aesthetic embraces open spaces, large glass windows, geometric lines and an integration with nature.

· Neoclassical homes: This style exudes grandeur with its iconic full-height columned front porches and reflects the classical ideals of beauty found in Greek and Roman architecture.

So, which of these styles of homes are you vibing with? 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 12, 2020

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY

When you and your family are searching for a home, there are many factors to consider before making a final decision to put a formal offer in on the house you’ve got your eye (and perhaps heart) on. While it’s easy to fall in love with several houses you’ve toured, it is essential to take the needs of your entire family into consideration before proceeding.

– Figure out the right size. Factor in how many people are likely to eventually live in the house. Be sure the house is roomy enough to accommodate everyone, but not so large it becomes a burden to care for and maintain.

– Consider the renovation potential. If you are buying an older home, consider the possibility you’ll want to remodel or renovate. Can you see yourself hiring a contractor to knock down walls, tear up the kitchen or bathroom, or redesign the floorplan? 

– Envision living in the house. Imagine what your furniture will look like once you’ve moved in. Visualize painting the walls a fresh new color. Walk around the property and imagine the deck or yard filled with patio furniture or the kids’ toys.

Source: Vila Media, LLC

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – February 5, 2020

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

While you’ve likely already winterized your home’s exterior, take note of these six things homeowners typically forget to winterproof to ensure you don’t make the same mistake in the future. 

· Shut off and drain all outdoor faucets and hoses. Fountains should be drained, cleaned and stored in a shed or covered.

· Icicles — while pretty — can signal a larger problem like an ice dam, which can damage your gutters and cause interior leaks.

· Clean, drain and cover your air conditioning unit.

· Clean your grill of food debris, disconnect the gas source and cover.

· Wrap trees with tree blankets.

· Shovel walkways. (A good hack is to spray cooking oil on your shovel for an easier gliding tool!)