Real Estate Information

Amazing Christmas events are soon to be here:

• 4^th of December: The Annual Christmas tree Lighting.
   
• Join the Women’s Club of West Milford, the Ringwood Manor Citizen Advisory Committee, and Ringwood State Park Staff in celebrating the 36th Annual Victorian Christmas at Ringwood Manor. This is a lovely way to experience the magic of the holidays at a beautiful and historic North Jersey landmark. Tour dates are Saturday, December 3rd, Sunday, December 4th, Saturday, December 10th, and Sunday, December 11th 11:  am-5:00 pm on all four days.
   
• Christmas is also a time to give: Call your local Ringwood, NJ florist and send a gift of flowers along with warm holiday wishes for Christmas, Dec 25th, 2011.
  
  
  The movers just left leaving you alone at your new property.  It is time to sit down and list all those things you will have to do before relaxing on your couch and admiring your new possession:
   
• Install new locks. Since you probably have no idea who has a copy of your current keys, it is best not to take any chances. Consider making an extra set of keys and giving the copy to your parents or best friend.
   
• Purchase a fire extinguisher for the kitchen and keep it handy. Check and replace if necessary, all the batteries in the smoke detectors. If the house needs any preventive maintenance do it as early as possible. It will be really frustrating having to deal with contractors or paint while all your possessions are located inside the house.
• Check to see that all possible damage, like wet wood conditions or walls' deterioration.
   
• Clean the gutters and downspouts and check that drain water is directed away from the house.
   
• Service all heating equipment and check the chimney of the fireplace for possible damage.
   
• All medicines, poisons, or other dangerous elements have to be kept in child proof cabinets and cupboards.
   
• Keep flashlights, batteries, matches and candles in a special child proof drawer in an easy to reach place.
   
• Consider recording all the important house data and keep the papers related to your house in a safe or a drawer that locks. Also save all receipts of money spent for permanent improvements, repairs and any damage you had to fix. These can later be used for tax deduction purposes.

After you are settled in, introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer them a "hello" gift. Usually people are shy to bang on your door and introduce themselves, so it is better if you break the ice by introducing yourself. One of the reasons people enjoys living where they live is they know their neighbors. 

Household expenses take up a large portion of most people's paychecks. After all, you have to buy groceries and light your home. However, there are many simple ways to prevent these expenses from eating up all of your income. Get a handle on your household outflow by knowing how you spend your money and plugging up some leaks. You'll be amazed how small adjustments can have a big impact on your checkbook balance, and this page shows you some of the best small (and big) changes you can make.

So get ready to make a budget, reduce your monthly bills, and examine your everyday expenses to reduce your debt and build some savings.

List Current Expenses:

In order to have a better idea of how you personally can cut household expenses, you need to determine what your current expenses are.

• Collect all the receipts, bills, and financial statements that you can find. If you haven't saved such things in the past, start saving now and take a look at them after a month or so.

• Create categories for your expenses. You don't want to make a separate budget amount to cover each expense. Instead, you should plan on spending a specific amount of money on areas of expenditure in your life. For example, group airfare, train fare, and gasoline for long trips under a single category: travel.
   
• Write down fixed costs. Bills fall into this category, as well as commuter passes and other items you spend a given amount on each month. Calculate the average monthly cost of other items. For instance, you may not buy clothes every month, and each time you purchase new items the cost differs. Try adding up how much you've spent on clothes during the year, if you have those records. Then divide by 12 to get the average cost per month.

​

Create a Budget

Once you've got an idea of what you currently spend in different categories, create a budget for the future, choosing areas where you think you can cut back on expenses.

Try to spot categories you can cut back, but be reasonable. If you set unreasonable goals, you'll get discouraged and may give up.

• Estimate what you'd like to spend on categories for which you don't have records. If you don't have records of what you've spent on things like clothes over the year, try to make a guess at how much you spend each month.
   
• Keep close track of all your expenses over the next couple months. Accrue statements during the week. Keep them in a safe place where you can find them to record later. Don't forget to note cash transactions.
   
• Compare what you thought you spend to what you actually spend. Hopefully, your estimates were on par. If not, make changes to your budget accordingly. Identify more areas where you think you should cut back. Adjust the budget for that category, and discipline yourself to stick to it.
   
• Come back to your budget at the end of each month to see how you're doing. If you have some extra money, make a budget category for savings or debt repayment and put that money to good use.

For more on budgeting, see Mahalo's How to Make a Budget.

Your credit rating is a score calculated by the lender based on your credit file, the amount you want to borrow, existing borrowings and the security you can put up. Your credit file is reviewed when applying for a homeowner loan, mortgage, and car finance and sometimes when applying for a job. Your credit rating can be considered your trustworthiness to repay the amount borrowed. It’s important that you know what your credit rating is and how to maintain it.

Good, Bad or Wrong?

A bad credit rating can be repaired and is not something to worry about long-term. However, if you are looking for a loan quickly, you will find fewer lending institutions willing to lend you money. Lenders that are willing to consider a consumer with an adverse credit history will charge greater interest rates.

A good credit rating will attract more loan companies offering larger amounts of money, more competitive interest rates and more flexible payment agreements.

Research states that around 80% of the credit files maintained by credit agencies contain outdated or incorrect information.

How do I Access my Credit File?

The first step to maintaining a healthy credit rating is to request your credit file from Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. You are entitled to one free report per year, however, you should request a report from all three because the files that they hold maybe different.

Review your Credit File:

Following is some of the most common errors and problems to look for when reviewing your credit file. If you notice any inaccuracies contact the credit agencies immediately. Keep copies of any correspondence and log all phone calls. Send copies of any documentation that supports you claim – do not send originals.

·        Basic Inaccuracies: Look for payments or accounts that are incorrectly recorded as late or unpaid. This can happen through no fault of your own when checks are late arriving or go missing in the post.

·        Identity Theft: This is a major concern of today and is one of the fastest growing crimes worldwide. Look for accounts that have been opened in your name without your knowledge or consent.

·        Credit File Requests: When you apply for a loan the lender will request your credit file. Each request is logged; carefully check for any fraudulent activates that could indicate an attempt at identity theft. Too many requests can be seen as detrimental by some lenders making it difficult to secure a loan.

·        Credit Fraud – Unauthorized Charges: Unauthorized use of your Credit Cards to purchase goods or services may go unnoticed, particularly if the fraud is through an account that you do not use regularly.

Manage your credit worthiness:

Credit agencies do not check the correctness of any information that is passed to them from your creditors; it is your responsibility to ensure that your credit file is correctly maintained. Requesting your credit report once per year regardless of wither there is a problem obtaining credit or not is the best way to ensure the credit files held with the agencies are accurate.

Ringwood is the best place to raise your children. With high quality school, parks and a lot of fun things to do, Ringwood will give you a warm welcome.

The New Jersey Children’s Museum is a great place to celebrate your child’s birthday party! Toddlers and older children love the fire truck, helicopter, cave and castle.

Pay a visit to the Ringwood Manor of Association of the Arts. See the amazing work of talented artists.

For years, economists have used the study of behavioral finance to explain the role emotions play in investment making decisions. Their surveillance has turned up some interesting results. Here are their findings:

• Investors know very well that the stock market has its ups and downs, some will still base investment decisions on the assumption that what’s happening now will continue in the future. For example, the home buyer driven by a hot market will engage in bidding wars, assuming that the market will continue to heat up. The buyer believes he or she has to buy now or lose out.
• Other investors follow the “anchoring” concept, in which they hold off selling an asset in hopes that it will increase in value despite evidence to the contrary. In this scenario, home buyers stubbornly anchor themselves to an offering price even though the seller and buyer are only a few hundred dollars apart.
• Some investors buy too much house for their budget or they forget about the crumbling foundation, because they love the seller’s decor.
• In most cases investors fail to see beyond the clutter as to possibilities of a home.

To prevent such problems, the emotional home buyer needs the perspective of a Real Estate agent. The expertise of a Real Estate agent can separate the emotion from the investment so your dream home will not become a disappointment.

Brace yourself! The tenth annual Harvest Festival features at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden on Saturday the 1^st of October 2011 and on October the 2^nd of October 2011 from 10.00a.m. – 5.00p.m.  Rain or sunshine!

Come and experience all the exciting and fun filled activities. These include hay rides, pumpkin painting, a caricaturist, storytellers, children’s games and a few surprises! Bring your camera to capture the free guided garden tours. The pictorial Botanic Garden is an absolute breathtaking site during fall. Experience the color scope of fall. Free parking available. Here at the Craft Fair you can buy a huge variety of hand crafted items. This will be a great opportunity to buy gifts for the nearing festive season.  There will be delicious temptations and October Festival Food for the hungry. Fantastic live music will add to the festivities. Wear your cowgirl boots for the Line Dance! NJBG is located on Morris Road, Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, New Jersey. This weekend will be sponsored by NJBG/Sky lands Association.

While in the party mood, Ringwood has a lot more to offer. The vibrant Nightlife , bars, clubs e.g. Orange Whip are not to be missed.

A supreme site to see is the 74 acre Shepherd Lake and woods. This is a spectacular site to see during fall. Red, yellow and orange are like paint spatters amongst the remaining green. There are hiking trails and paths for the family in the park and by the lake. This is a must during fall. During 2004, the New Jersey Legislature passed the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, which regulates the New Jersey Highlands region. Ringwood was included in the highlands preservation area and is subject to the rules of the act and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, a division of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. All of the territory in the protected region is classified as being in the highlands preservation area, and thus subject to additional rules.

The Ringwood Chamber of Commerce sponsored their 1^st Buy Local Event at the Ringwood Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 10^th and it was an outstanding success.

The 450+ people in attendance got more than just the wonderful goodies, fresh produce, eggs and plants that they’ve grown accustomed to from the Farmer’s Market, there were representatives from more than 20 local businesses on hand providing fun, games and wonderful giveaways for all members of the family!

Children had the opportunity to work on craft projects at Educare’s table or to have their faces painted at the Papillon Montessori table while Moms , Dads and other grown ups checked out some of the other offerings- Pop A Lock provided copies of keys, the lovely ladies from  TD bank had lots of fun stuff and Coldwell Banker’s- “Only” Orly provided  real estate information AND  free bottles of water that partnered beautifully with the attractive “Buy Local” koozies and shopping bags donated by the Chamber of Commerce!

 Nicole from The New You demonstrated proper exercise techniques and Coppola Services was represented.  Among the impressive displays were beautiful custom frames  from Saframes and gorgeous photography  from local photographer Melissa Griegel . If you were looking to get your financial affairs or Insurance needs in order Laura Ingraffea and the Cellas from AllState were on hand, too!

The Membership of the Ringwood Chamber of Commerce are strong supporters of  local community events and sponsor the Annual Christmas Tree and  Menorah lightings, The Ringwood Roundabout publication, several scholarships and contributes to The Ringwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and many other events.  For information on joining the Chamber or learning about other events visit www.ringwoodchamber.com    

Ginormous Town-Wide Garage Sale!!!

You have heard that one person's trash is another's treasure? Well nothing could be further from the truth and the Town of Ringwood is making it easy to find your very own Treasures!

The Town of Ringwood is having a Town-Wide Yard Sale on Saturday, September 24th and Sunday September 25th (RAIN OR SHINE). These sales are held at homes city-wide. All you have to do is pick up a map beginning the week of September 19th, make a plan and head on out. There is no charge to participate

Tips for Successful Yard Saleing:
 

• Pick up your map early. Maps are available FREE of Charge as well the week of September 19th at Borough Hall and the Ringwood Public Library. Maps are also available on Saturday 9/24 and Sunday 9/5 at the Ringwood Farmer's Market (located at Park and Ride on Cannici Dirve).
• Review the listings and map out which locations may have items of interest.  For example "Sports Equipment" or "Baby Items".
• Dress for the Day - Don't forget the umbrella if it's rainy or a hat and sunglasses if it's hot and sunny.
• Bring a pencil, pad of paper and small tape measure (you never know when you might need it)
• Bring extra batteries to test items that you may want.
• Arrive Early. Some folks don't want you there early,but they may have something you really want and may open the doors for you!
• Bring small bills and change to simplify change-making
• Let your kids buy their own items. It gives them practice handling money.
• Try to negotiate a deal on your items. Sellers want to sell!!!

This Town-Wide event is being advertised in The Bergen Record and The Suburban Trends newspapers. It will also be promoted on TV on Channel 77, Ringwood Borough Website, the Ringwood Library, Ringwood Farmers Market, Craigslist and several Yard Sale Websites.

So pick up your map, plan your route, and by all means, drive safely. Garage sales bring out the kids in the neighborhood too! For more information, visit the Borough website at www.RingwoodNJ.net.

The torrential rain that caused the closing of Skyline Drive on Friday night did not dampen the enthusiasm of a capacity crowd at the Carriage House at Skylands Manor in Ringwood State Park who came to hear the music of the popular North Jersey band “The Kootz”.

This was the 2^nd in this years scheduled NJBG concerts and was sponsored by Orly Steinberg of Coldwell Banker and Shane Force of Atlantic Home Loans.  Orly, who has been a longtime supporter of this annual series considers this a wonderful way to give back to the local community and highlight the natural beauty of Ringwood while providing an opportunity to meet with many of the families she has worked with over the years. Orly said, “The weather certainly worked against us this year, but everyone here is having a fabulous time and the band is terrific”, and no one could argue the point. 

The Kootz ( www.thekootz.com) who are celebrating their 10^th year together, kept the joint jumping and well entertained with an eclectic repertoire that ran the gamut from Chuck Berry’s “Memphis” to the Byrd’s “Turn, Turn, Turn” and seamlessly transitioned from the Rockabilly Classic “ Honey Don’t” to The Who’s “Take the Wheel”, and the delighted crowd, who ranged from the very young to the “young at heart” enjoyed every minute of it! 

Mark your calendars for July 8th the next concert in the series when NJ’s own Loretta Hagen, known for her rich alto voice and heart tugging songs, will take the stage with her band.  Remember to bring a lawn chair or a blanket! For additional information on concerts visit the website at www.njbj.org or call 973-962-9534.

It may not feel like it most days but spring is in the air! It’s an exciting time for us east coast residents who are sick and tired of bundling up in layers and trudging through massive amounts of snow. The time is here where you can finally shop for your plants and begin the process of gardening once again. Plants of all sorts are such a great way to give your home character and really make it stand out from the rest of the homes on your street.

I found some great tips from the experts at Northscaping that will help ensure a successful start to the gardening season. Follow these simple tips for a long and enjoyable gardening experience this year.

1. Use compost to amend the planting soil

This is the key to starting healthy plants. You want your young plants to be provided with much needed nutrients which will establish good, strong roots.

2. Water just the right amount - not too much, not too little

Water young plants frequently, but don’t drown them! Too much water can actually hurt them. It’s better to give them a light soaking every day than to flood them once a week.

3. Gradually wean perennials off fertilizer

Fertilize perennials at planting. Many young plants have been grown in a greenhouse where nutrients are acquired through fertilization. It’s important to wean them off fertilizer until their roots are developed.

4. Continue feeding your annuals regularly

Annual plants in containers need regular feeding. Annuals are generally heavier feeders than perennials, especially in containers. Fertilize weekly with a half-strength soluble fertilizer mixture with a higher middle number to promote active root growth and flower production.

5. Don't plant too early for your region

New plants are sensitive to frost and lower temperatures. Hardy perennials if hardened off can be planted as early as Mother’s Day in most parts of the North. For annuals, it best to wait until the first week of June, although hardier annuals and some vegetables can be planted as early as Memorial Day weekend. However, they should be covered if night temperatures are forecasted to fall below 36 - 40°F. This is a very important tip for us on the east coast, especially with the spring we are experiencing. It’s best to plan ahead and have everything ready but don’t get too excited to start digging in the dirt because it could be very detrimental to your garden’s success.

6. Give your plants just the amount of light they prefer

Plants require sunlight for photosynthesis, but not all plants are sun tolerant. Check the labels on all the plants you purchase to see if they are light specific. Planting in the wrong location can lead to poor performance and/or death of the plant.

7. Allow adequate growing space between perennials

Give shrubs and herbaceous perennials ample room to grow. Many require good air circulation to discourage the development of molds and fungi. As the plant grows, the space is reduced and the bed will look fuller. Allow room for growth and your plants will last a long time.

8. Plant annuals closer together for full effect

Plant annuals at half spacing for an earlier season of enjoyment. Reducing the spacing between plants will result in fuller plantings earlier in short growing seasons like we have in the North. It will also assist in the reduction of weeding and watering as moisture is less subject to evaporation and weed seeds cannot make contact with the ground.

9. Use colors to your advantage

Simple combinations of just one or two colors can make a powerful statement. Using only one color to establish a monochromatic scheme for your garden can help to adjust a mood. Cooler colors like blue or purple can make a sunny site more relaxed, whereas warmer colors such as yellow and orange can make a dark space more inviting.

10. Use larger quantities of fewer varieties

Plant masses of one or two plants to reduce maintenance times. In larger yards or wherever there is not enough time maintain a garden, grouping plants of one type and allowing them to grow together reduces the amount of water and the need for regular pruning.

I hope these tips from Northscaping have helped you in planning your spring gardening properly. Happy planting, growing and blooming!

-Orly

There is no shortage of experts that want to let us know how Americans feel about owning a home after the collapse of the residential market in the last five years. They MUST be devastated. They MUST feel trapped like prisoners in their own homes. They MUST be sorry they ever bought the house. These assumptions seem logical at times and can occasionally be supported by anecdotal evidence.

However, we want to go to the only people who truly understand how homeowners feel - the homeowners themselves. There have been three major surveys done this year that can shed light on the issue:

The National Housing Survey

This survey conducted by Fannie Mae showed:

• 96% of all homeowners said homeownership has been a positive experience.
• 64% consider buying a home as a safe investment. Buying a home was considered safer than buying stocks by over three times the number of people (64% vs 17%).

The top four reasons to buy:

1. It means having a good place to raise children and provide a good education
2. You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
3. It allows you to have more space for your family
4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space (renovations & updates)

American Attitudes About Home Ownership

According to this survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the National Association of Realtors, home owners believe that home ownership benefits individuals and families and strengthens our communities.

The vast majority of home owners say that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. Even in today’s challenging economy, 95% of owners believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.

Home owners are much more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their family and community life than renters. While more than half of owners (56%) are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with the overall quality of their family life, only about one-third (36%) of renters report the same levels of satisfaction. Also, 43% of home owners are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with their community life, compared with 30% of renters.

An overwhelming majority of home owners are happy with their decision to own a home. A full 93% of owners surveyed would buy again.

Pew Research Center Survey

This recent survey titled “Home Sweet Home. Still” delves into homeowners’ current belief in homeownership as a long term investment:

Homeowners whose home value has fallen only a little are equally enthusiastic about housing as a long-term investment: 85% say buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make. Among those who say their home has maintained it value or increased in value, 88% agree…

Even those who have seen their home values plummet are still committed to the idea that buying a home is a solid, long-term investment. Among those who say their home has lost a lot of its value, 80% agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment (36% strongly agree, 44% agree somewhat).

Bottom Line 

There have been families that have been devastated by the current economy. However, through it all, homeowners have not wavered  in their belief in homeownership as the best long-term investment.

-Orly