Bergen County Real Estate Podcast with Jeff & Debra Adler

3 Things to Know About Our Red-Hot Housing Market

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:11:00 -0800

Here’s how you can make it as a buyer in a red-hot housing market.

Our red-hot housing market caused some homebuyers to put their plans on

hold in 2021. In 2022, many of them will return to the market.

If buying a home is one of your New Year’s resolutions, you’ll be relieved toknow that it should be much easier to accomplish that task than it was in 2021.

Here are three things all homebuyers should know in 2022:

1. The market is easing up for homebuyers. New data from the Common

Haus Price Index, which tracks asking prices for three-bedroom, two-bathroom

U.S. homes, shows that the year-over-year rate slowed from 5.9% to 5.4%.

That’s the smallest year-over-year price growth since January 2020.

Additionally, prices have started to slide back down from their 2021 peaks, and

supply is bouncing back at the fastest pace we’ve seen since May. This will

give you more options and better prices as a buyer.

“A 4% rate is still extremely low based on historical averages.”

2. It’s important to be flexible in this market. Although supply is on the rise,

inventory is still very low from a historical perspective. This means that you

need to have a plan in place before you even begin your home search. You’ll

need to be prepared to act quickly when the right home hits the market, and

be patient in case your first offer isn’t accepted.

3. Rates will likely rise, but not by much. It’s clear that home prices have

been inflated over the past year or so, but competitive mortgage rates have

helped offset them. Rates will rise in 2022; it’s inevitable. However, the

Mortgage Bankers Association predicts a modest increase in the 30-year

fixed-rate mortgage average to around 4%. This will make homes less

affordable than they are right now, but a 4% rate is still extremely low based

on historical averages.

Only time will tell if 2022 will be a great year for homebuyers. However, the low

rates we’re seeing won’t last forever. Locking in a low rate on a long-term

investment like a home puts you in a great financial position for the future.

If you have any other questions about buying a home, selling a home, or real

estate in general, feel free to give me a call or send me an email today. I look

forward to hearing from you.

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A Seller’s Guide to 2022

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Thu, 3 Feb 2022 11:07:00 -0800

Discussing three market factors that are making now a great time to list.

Based on the current market conditions, this could be the perfect time to list your property. Here are the three market factors that make this a great time to list:

Supply is still lacking. Coupled with ongoing supply chain issues, experts predict that this trend will continue through 2022.

Prices are still rising. After another strong year, we might see the rate of appreciation slightly slow down this year, but homes will still increase in value.

Rising interest rates. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is about 3%. However, the Federal Reserve recently announced that it will wind down its bond purchases, which will cause rates to increase. This may cause even more buyers to enter the market now to try and secure a home like yours before higher rates make it less affordable.

Now is the time to act if you’re looking to sell. You can take advantage of the current high prices and low inventory to sell quickly and for top dollar. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you.

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What Millennials Are Looking for in a Home

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:41:00 -0800

What can you do to have your house appeal to millennial buyers?

Millennials now make up the largest demographic of homebuyers, and they know what they're looking for in a home. Today we’ll tell you how you can make your home listing appeal to them.

Millennials usually look at homes online first, so it's important to have great pictures that show off your property. We recommend hiring a professional home photographer. Your Realtor can provide one for you.

You also need to price your home properly. If millennials see that your home is much more expensive than a similar house, they will disregard your listing. If you have a large home that needs updates and repairs, you'll have a hard time finding a millennial buyer. They would rather put their money towards painting and decorating instead of improving home systems, so make sure that you're keeping your home maintained so that you don't have a long list of things to fix before you list.

“Listen to your agent about how to appeal to millennials.”

Millennials know that property taxes are on the rise, which is why they are actively avoiding large homes with large yards. This makes it important to fight your property taxes each year to keep them at a manageable level. If your property taxes are high, your home price will likely have to be lower.

Since millennials make up such a large part of our market now, it's really important to listen to your agent about how to appeal to them. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email today. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Why Winter Is a Good Time To Sell

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:27:00 -0800

Here are three reasons why winter is an amazing time to sell your home.

Is winter a good time to list your home for sale? I get asked this question quite

a bit this time of year. Luckily for you, the answer is always yes; the winter

months are a wonderful time to sell. We typically sell a lot of homes during the frosty months, and here are a few reasons why:

1. Less inventory. In the winter, our market has much less inventory than during the spring, which is fantastic for sellers because low inventory means less competition. You’ll close closer to your list price and more buyers will be interested in your home.

2. Serious buyers. Buyers tend to be more serious in the winter. I always say that if they’re going out into the cold, they’re serious about buying. Plenty of people don’t want to move in the winter, but there are multiple reasons why a move may be needed such as a divorce, a marriage, a baby, or they’ve finally saved enough money to buy a house. You’ll have fewer showings with more motivated buyers.

"The winter months are a wonderful time to sell."

3. Relocators. Numerous companies relocate employees in January or at least begin the relocation process. That’s a large wave of people needing to buy during the winter season.

All these reasons and many more are why you should consider taking

advantage of the real estate market in the winter. As always, if you have any questions about selling or real estate in general, we are here to be of service. Don’t hesitate to call or email us. We would love to help you.

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What Happens If An Appraisal Comes In Low?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:04:00 -0700

Three options for dealing with a low appraisal.

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When an appraisal comes in low, consumers typically have an appraisal contingency built into their offers, but buyers and sellers have three options to proceed:

Meet in the middle. The most common approach is to negotiate to see if the buyer and seller can meet somewhere between the contract price and the appraised value.

Bring the difference in cash. The buyer’s lender will only loan the appraised value, so if the appraisal comes in, say, $10,000 lower, the buyer can decide to fill the gap themselves. As a seller, you would be more likely to do this if there were multiple offers on your property.

Cancel the deal. You as the buyer always have the right to cancel the contract if you’re not willing to match the difference or if the seller isn’t willing to meet you in the middle.

As real estate agents, we do work to make sure that the appraisal comes in at the contract value. One of the biggest benefits of working with a solid listing agent is that we can communicate with the appraiser to convey why the seller received the offer they did and justify the price with recent sales data. We’ll also appeal to the number of showings and offers the house received, as well as the short amount of time it was on the market. Information like that can also help the appraiser understand why the buyer came in with that offer.

"We’ll be able to communicate with the appraiser to convey why the seller received the offer they did and justify the price with recent sales data."

If you have any questions about this or anything else to do with real estate, give us a call or send us an email. We’re always here to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with any decision you make.

The Difference Between an Appraisal and Inspection

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Mon, 4 Oct 2021 08:54:00 -0700

Here are the differences between an appraisal and a home inspection.

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Today I’ll go over the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re separate things that serve different purposes. Here are the main differences you should know, since you may be asked to waive one or the other in this market:

An appraisal looks at your home's value compared to other homes that have sold. A bank isn't interested in lending more money than a property is worth, so they hire an appraiser to compare it to other recent sales and find out what the market value is. Their goal is to ensure that the home's value is at least that of the sales price.

“

Appraisal and inspection are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes.

”

A home inspection looks at the condition of the property itself. A licensed and certified home inspector will spend three to four hours, depending on the size of the house, looking at every part of the property. They'll turn on the faucets, check for leaks, make sure the electrical outlets are wired correctly, and even jump up on the roof. They’ll check the condition of all the home's systems and provide a full inspection report for the buyer and their attorney that details anything wrong with the property.

This is a very brief overview of the differences, so if you have any more questions for us, please email or call us. We look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have.

3 Tips for Handling Multiple-Offer Situations When Selling

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:53:00 -0700

Here are three tips for deciding between multiple offers when selling.

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In our ultra-competitive market, sellers are certainly seeing multiple offers on their homes. With so much flying at you, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Here are my top three tips for choosing the best offer:

1. Look over the price, closing date, and release of contingency date. The release of contingency date refers to the time when a buyer can no longer back out of the contract, providing assurance that the sale will move forward.

2. Look at the financing. You need to see either proof of funds from a cash buyer or a pre-approval letter from a financed buyer. You also want to know the down payment amount and type of loan they’re using. Those can all influence how they purchase and close on your home.

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Motivation is everything in this market.

”

3. Have your Realtor call the top two or three offers. It’s so important to work with an agent who can not only narrow down the top offers, but will also reach out to those agents to find out more about the buyers. They might learn who is more motivated for your house, and motivation is everything in this market. We’re always here to help you with any real estate-related questions and serve your needs. Feel free to reach out via phone or email at any time. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Why There’s No Sign of a Housing Bubble in Our Market

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:15:00 -0700

We aren’t in the midst of a housing bubble, and here’s why.

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A lot of people are wondering whether we’re currently in a housing bubble and if it’s going to burst, so today I’d like to put your mind at ease. There are a few things that indicate that we aren’t in a bubble.

We’re in an incredibly strong seller’s market and prices have skyrocketed, but it all comes down to simple economics. There is little home inventory but a ton of buyer demand, so people are having to pay more to beat the competition. Some homes are selling well above the asking price, which is making sellers very happy.

Buyers, I know it can be discouraging, but don’t give up. Continue to submit your offers and find a Realtor who can help you win. It’s not always about price—the seller may want a quick or extended closing date, for example.

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We’re in an incredibly strong seller’s market and prices have skyrocketed, but it all comes down to simple economics.

”

Still, many people think our market is heading toward a crash like the one we saw in 2008. There are some key differences in today’s market, however. Unlike in 2008, homeowners have a lot of equity right now. This equity should help people weather any price declines we may see. And as mentioned earlier, this hot market is mainly the result of supply and demand. If you have any questions about our market or would like more information, feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sellers: Boost Your Home’s Value With These Tips

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:00:00 -0700

Here are some easy ways to boost your home’s value before listing it.

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Here are five simple ways to increase your home’s value before listing in 2021: 1. Bring out a real estate professional. An agent will typically provide you with a valuation of your home and can point out which areas are more important than others when upgrading. Some agents will even offer staging advice to ensure your home shows well. 2. Deep clean. Your home should be absolutely spotless, including the unseen places—the oven, rangehood, baseboards, spaces between kitchen appliances, etc. For a couple hundred dollars, you can certainly hire a professional cleaner to do it for you. In any case, your home will end up shining, and first impressions are ultimately the most important ones. 3. Fixtures, hardware, knobs, and switches should be functioning properly and look good. They should be in good condition and have uniform coverings. If they need to be repainted or replaced, go through your house with a buyer’s eyes and see what you need to see. To get the most bang for your buck, make the finishes for your hardware consistent throughout the house, whether that means brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, etc. This creates consistency with your new faucets and fixtures as well.

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Your home should be spotless, including the unseen places.

”

4. Clean your carpets (if you have them). Some agents recommend getting rid of carpet if you have hardwood below, but a professional cleaning can certainly make your carpet look new. Dingly, old carpeting makes a home look old and outdated. For a cheaper alternative, you can rent a rug cleaner for less than $100. However, that would create more work on your end. 5. Paint rooms that need refreshing. Make sure to take care of the baseboards as well. Like I said earlier, they need to be clean. (It’s easy to overlook the beating they take over the years). If you have bold or distinct colors, paint over them with a light, neutral tone. Buyers prefer that over anything bold. Light grays, for example, seem to be a popular color now. Don’t go overboard, though, because most buyers will probably do their own painting when they move in. This tip is mostly just to give your home a fresh, clean look. As always, if you have questions about this or any real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m happy to help.

Make Your Home More Spacious and Valuable

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 21 May 2021 13:01:00 -0700

Here are two fantastic ways to increase your home’s value this summer.

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Today I have some great tips to help you add both space and value to your home this summer:

1. Build a patio. These not only add value to your home, but they also provide you with a great outdoor living space. You have a ton of different options for building materials. You can use poured concrete, which is structurally sound and fairly inexpensive. You could also go with bricks, pavers, stone, crushed stone, pea gravel, or even sand. There are so many different ways to make the space your own.

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Even if you’re not selling soon, you still might want to consider adding to your outdoor space.

”

2. Add an outdoor kitchen. If you have the time and budget, this is another great way to add value. Consider adding a sink, fridge, food prep station, or some combination of the three.

Even if you’re not selling any time soon, you still might want to consider adding to your outdoor space to enjoy those wonderful summer evenings and increase your home’s value for when the right time to sell does come.

If you have any questions about selling in this market or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Are You Better off in the City or Suburbs?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:22:00 -0700

Should you live in the city or suburbs? Here’s what you need to know.

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This is an age-old debate in the housing industry, and we’re starting to see some interesting changes in homeowner preferences as more and more millennials and young professionals enter the market. Most see the debate coming down to big factors like schools, amenities, and space. Families with kids have traditionally favored suburban living with large homes, plenty of bedrooms, and a backyard, as well as good school districts and a quieter environment. The city comes with more hustle and bustle, but some are willing to give up the space and quiet for walkability, proximity to entertainment, and the all-around ‘cool’ factor.

Of course, price should always be a factor, especially when it comes to renting versus buying. Nationally, rent rates are slightly higher in suburban areas than in the cities, which is somewhat surprising (obviously this varies from city to city). Amenities aside, urban dwellers must consider their style of living in their homes as well. If you prefer the city lifestyle, are you willing to live with the likelihood of fewer bedrooms, smaller kitchens, and less outdoor space? Though rental rates are higher, rental properties in the suburbs are nationally about 18 cents cheaper per square foot than their urban counterparts, according to Zillow.

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A real estate professional can provide you with price differences between suburban and city living.

”

Then there are the neighbors. Are you willing to share a wall, floor, or ceiling with a neighbor? Or would you prefer your own private space where noise isn’t a factor? Do you prefer a backyard with green grass or would you rather step out onto your balcony with city views, where you're right in the heart of the action?

Of course, a real estate professional can provide you with price differences between suburban and city living specific to your area and educate you on even more points to consider in your city when it comes to proximity to amenities, schools, and entertainment.

As always, if you’d like to know more about this or any real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to answer your questions and serve your needs any way we can.

5 Tips for Living in Your For-Sale Home

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:39:00 -0700

These five tips will help you live in your home while it’s for sale.

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Here are five tips to help you keep living your life in your for-sale home and keep things less hectic:

1. Start packing now. Packing and storing boxes in the basement or garage is completely acceptable. You want to open up as much space as possible and emphasize floor space and square footage. The larger your home feels, the more money you’ll get. Buyers will truly appreciate this touch.

2. Sell, donate, or throw it away. While you’re packing, try getting rid of things you don’t need. If you haven’t touched an item in a year and it’s not an heirloom or a memory, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Try to donate items that are still in good condition.

3. Get squeaky-clean. A clean, cared-for house can net you $5,000 to $10,000 more from your sale. Shoot for five-star hotel perfection when cleaning, and focus on bathrooms, the kitchen, windows, and floors. Just make your home sparkle!

"The larger your home feels, the more money you’ll get."

4. Maintain privacy and safety. Buyers will look through your closets and other areas people typically wouldn’t see, so make sure there’s nothing valuable or personal anywhere that they could find. If you’re unsure about an item, be on the safe side and lock it away somewhere secure. Of course, this includes, medication, jewelry, etc.

5. Involve your kids. Nothing is better than involving your kids in the selling process, and the easiest way to get them involved is through games or a reward system so they help you clean the house and prepare it for showings. You won’t believe how motivated kids can get when there is something fun tied to a chore.

If you’d like to know more about these tips or have any real estate questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you.

How the Pandemic Is Affecting Home Preferences

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:03:00 -0800

Here’s how the pandemic has shifted buyers’ preferences in the last year.

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How has the pandemic affected buyers’ home preferences?

Over the last few months, we’ve seen a massive influx of people moving from the city (New York, specifically) to the suburbs. This comes in contrast to the last few decades when people increasingly preferred cities over suburbs. Studies have shown that each new generation of young people has been more and more likely to move to the cities and stay in them even after getting married and starting a family. Of course, post-coronavirus, this may well change.

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Many people will continue to work from home after the pandemic subsides.

”

The most obvious reason why is health. Urban areas are more crowded, which means greater exposure to potential viruses. Also, shelter-in-place orders are harder to bear in an urban environment; by comparison, a house in the suburbs can offer more space, a backyard, and easier access to areas where you can exercise and spend time safely outdoors.

Additionally, workspaces are changing. Many people will continue to work from home after the pandemic subsides. The need for commuting will be greatly reduced, so living farther out for a lower cost is certainly more appealing.

If you have questions about this or any other real estate topic, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

3 Reasons Winter Is a Great Time to Sell

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 11:42:00 -0800

Here’s why winter is a great time to sell your home.

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If you’re thinking of selling your home, the winter months are a great time to do it. In fact, we usually see many home sales happen during the winter, and there are a few reasons why.

First, there’s much less inventory than what you see during the spring, which is great for sellers. Low inventory means less competition and a better chance that you’ll close near your listing price. Additionally, since there are fewer homes available, more buyers will be interested in your home.

Second, buyers tend to be more serious in the winter. As we always say, only the real buyers come out when it’s 28 degrees. Most people don’t want to move this time of year, but there are plenty of reasons why they might have to. Perhaps they’re undergoing a divorce, or they’ve finally saved enough to purchase. Winter also means you won’t see any tire-kickers like you’d see during spring. You’ll have fewer showings with more motivated buyers.

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Low inventory means less competition and a better chance that you’ll close near your listing price.

”

Finally, January is the most common month for companies to start the relocation process for their employees. That’s another large wave of people needing to buy during winter.

The bottom line is that you should take advantage of the market now. If you’d like to talk more about selling your home in the winter or have any other real estate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email. We’d love to hear from you.

Q: Do Pets Still Influence Real Estate Deals?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 12:37:00 -0800

If you’re planning on selling your home, here’s how to handle your pets.

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If anyone is happy about us being stuck at home since March, it’s our pets. Owners have been constant companions to pets during this pandemic, providing extra attention and warmth throughout the work week for a change.

According to reports from shelters across the country, people have been more eager to foster pets than usual. While pets are happier with us around, it’s clear that humans have been leaning into the opportunity to experience their companionship.

"Everyone loves pets, but not everyone loves yours."

How do our new in-home offices and furry coworkers affect how we buy and sell homes? A recent study by the National Association of Realtors shows that a pets’ needs are important to buyers, although only a small percentage will make a move to accommodate the needs of a pet. Pet-friendly features like fenced yards and pet doors were among those on many pet owners’ wish lists.

If you are selling your home, it’s important to erase evidence of your pets when showing it. It’s an important thing to keep in mind as you prepare it. Everyone loves their pets, but not everyone loves yours.

If you have any questions about selling a home with pets or selling a home in general, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Q: Does a Quick Offer Mean My House Was Underpriced?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 08:20:00 -0800

Here’s why receiving an offer quickly shouldn’t be a red flag for sellers.

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Oftentimes, sellers will ask if a quick offer means that their home was priced too low. This is certainly a common conception, and an understandable one at that—no one wants to discover that they’ve done themselves a disservice by pricing their home below its actual value. Thankfully, this fear is almost always unfounded.

Before listing, the homeowner and their agent will have already discussed their intentions, what the expectations are, what the timeline is, and how the agent can best serve the homeowner. A quick offer means that the home was priced properly. It doesn't mean that we’re undercutting the seller or that the home is undervalued; a home will never sell under the market value because market value is simply defined as what a buyer is willing and able to pay for the home. In other words, market values are set by the buyers in that particular market. A key aspect to remember is that market value and list price aren’t always the same.

If you have any questions about this or any other real estate-related topic, please feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. We’re always ready to assist with your real estate needs, and we look forward to hearing from you. Stay safe and healthy out there!

Q: How Do I Know Which Offer Is Truly the Best?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:10:00 -0700

Here are three things to consider when sifting through offers on your home.

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Multiple-offer situations are a common occurrence in our fast-paced, low-inventory market. If you list your home and it generates multiple offers, there are three key tips to keep in mind to ensure you select the right offer for you and your family:

Qualify your buyers. You don’t want to get yourself entangled in a deal with a buyer who can’t actually make it to the closing table. Scrutinize the financial qualifications of each buyer so that you can weed out the ones who haven’t done their homework and are therefore more of a risk to your home sale than a solution.

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A flexible buyer will offer you more time to prep your home and move out.

”

Look for the best terms. These will include the buyer’s earnest money deposit and the amount they plan to bring to the closing for their down payment. This will let you know how much liquid cash each buyer has. Additionally, determine each buyer’s flexibility between the closing and possession timeline; more flexibility means more time for you to prep your home and move out.

Have a backup offer in mind. When there are lots of qualified buyers in the market, the opportunity to accept a backup is important, just in case the first offer falls through for any reason. This way, you can keep moving forward with the transaction without having to start all over again and source a new buyer.

As always, if you have questions regarding this particular topic or anything else pertaining to real estate, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email. We at The Adler Home Team are here to be of service and help you realize your buying or selling goals; we hope to hear from you soon!

Q: What Should You Do With Pets During Showings?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 7 Oct 2020 12:35:00 -0700

I’m here to give you tips on what to do with your pets during home showings

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What should you do with your pets when your home is being shown to prospective buyers? We love our pets, but they can sometimes cause problems.

First, what kind of pets do you have? When it comes to cats, you have some things to consider. If they like to bolt for the door, you don’t want to rely on whoever is showing the home to keep them in the house. Limiting them to one room or a kennel, if they can handle it, is the best practice for potential escapees. Do your cats like to hide under the furniture? Usually, as long as everyone knows there is a cat in the house, there shouldn’t be an issue.

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Buyers often want to explore the backyard during the showing, and a dog being back there makes it more difficult.

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With dogs, you have a few options. You can take them with you when you leave the property, kennel them, or send them to dog daycare. If you decide to kennel them, the best space for them (weather permitting) is the garage with the door open for a bit of fresh air.

Some people want to leave their dogs to roam the backyard. However, buyers often want to explore the backyard during the showing, and a dog being back there makes it more difficult. Dogs can be protective of their territory, and many people aren’t comfortable with them.

If you have any further questions about what to do with your pets while your home is being shown or other real estate topics, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Q: How Can You Move Safely Amid the Pandemic?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:34:00 -0700

Here are three tips that will help you move safely amid the pandemic.

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A pandemic isn’t an ideal time to move, but some people simply don’t have a choice. If you’re facing a move in the coming days or weeks, here are three tips that will help you do so safely and as easily as possible:

1. Remember that it’s worth spending extra money. The American Moving & Storing Association recommends passing on free recycled boxes from supermarkets and opting for new ones if possible. The reason is simple: Doing this minimizes your exposure to the coronavirus. Also, stock up on adequate disinfectants and wipes for yourself, your moving truck, and any shared equipment. If it makes sense in your situation, hire a moving company to handle the move for you safely and strategically. Many moving companies currently provide virtual estimates and contactless moving.

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Stock up on adequate disinfectants and wipes for yourself, your moving truck, and any shared equipment.

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2. Remember that preparation is more important now than ever. A move can sometimes become a disorganized affair, but now is the time to make it as neat and orderly as possible. By minimizing the moving time, you’re minimizing contact and exposure.

3. If you’re doing the move yourself, clean the truck and any shared moving bins or boxes. If you’re hiring a moving company, inquire about the specific measures they’re using to deal with the pandemic, both with their equipment and employees. A move can be a frustrating experience, but don’t throw caution to the wind and get careless. Be mindful of ongoing advice about masks, social distancing, and hygiene.

As always, if you have questions about this or any real estate topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

Q: What Projects Have the Best ROI?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:59:00 -0700

These three simple home updates will get you the best ROI when selling.

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What upgrades will get you the best return on your investment when selling your house? To get the maximum value out of your home projects, focus on smaller tasks; they can actually have a larger impact on the aesthetic appeal of your house without breaking the bank. Here are three of the best ROI updates:

1. Small bathroom remodel. This could be as simple as getting new countertops, repainting to a brighter color, or re-tiling the shower. All these projects will have a massive impact without having to completely demolish the bathroom. These projects alone can bring a 102% return on your investment.

2. Update landscaping. Landscaping is the first thing buyers see when looking at your property, aka curb appeal. You can simply add fresh mulch and plant flowers. You only get one chance to make a wonderful first impression, and vibrant landscaping can certainly boost curb appeal. The average investment for landscaping is a bit pricier: $3,500. However, it almost always has a 100% return on investment.

3. Minor kitchen facelift. Repainting the cabinets and getting new hardware will make an outdated kitchen feel new again. These modest changes can bring around a 97% return on investment.

Landscaping is the first thing buyers see when looking at your home.

We have excellent connections with contractors and designers that can help with any of your home project needs. If you’d like a referral or have other real estate-related questions, please feel free to give us a call at (201) 825-1266 or email us anytime. We’d love to hear from you. Most importantly, at this time, please stay safe and healthy.

Q: Which 3 Home Staging Essentials Should You Have?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:18:00 -0700

Here are three great home staging items you can buy at a bargain.

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If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, it’s important to make sure that visiting buyers never have to stare at any empty rooms or bare walls. The “deserted warehouse” look is out, so if your home isn’t staged attractively, you’re missing out because plenty of other houses will be.

The good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money staging your home attractively. Buying expensive items to upgrade your home isn’t necessarily the way to go if you don’t have the budget for that. One unexpected place to look for staging props, for example, is Walmart. A few dollars spent on the right items there can go a long way. Check out the bargains they offer to amp up your home staging without breaking the bank.

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You don’t have to spend a lot of money staging your home attractively.

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Here are three items you can buy that will do the trick:

1. Fluffy bathroom towels. Bathrooms are the second-most important area and selling feature in a home (next to the kitchen), and fresh, fluffy, colorful towels are the perfect accent for them.

2. Faux plants. If you (like me) struggle to keep real plants alive, then faux plants are a great addition. There are some absolutely beautiful ones out there, and they sometimes look so real that it’s easy to assume they are.

3. Candles. Candles add warmth, character, and an inviting scent to your home. You can get LED candles or the real thing, but LED candles don’t provide the same ambiance that real ones do, which is why I prefer the real deal. Remember to be responsible for where you place your candles.

Bonus tip: Pictures and other accessories help divert a buyer’s attention away from a part of the home you may not like that much.

If you’d like to know more home staging tips or have any other real estate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help.

Q: How Can I Market My Pet-Friendly Home?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Tue, 2 Jun 2020 11:00:00 -0700

You can attract more buyers by promoting your home as pet friendly.

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When selling your home, one of the ways to attract a different breed of buyers is to promote your house as pet friendly. You should appeal to those who plan to share their new home with their animal friends. Almost any house can be marketed to pet owners, and if you take a little extra time to highlight the pet-friendly aspects of your property, it could sell quicker. You can tell your real estate agent that it’s fine for prospective buyers to bring their dogs along to scope out the home. Buyers are often impressed when sellers show their affection for pets. The best pet-friendly investment is to install a wooden or electric invisible fence around the perimeter of your yard. Also, the latest trend is to put a pet bath in the laundry room or garage, which is a sure-fire attention grabber.

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If you take a little extra time to highlight the pet-friendly aspects of your property, it could sell quicker.

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It’s equally crucial to hide those parts of the house that might initially turn off even the most ardent pet lovers. Agents everywhere love to use Febreze. Spritz it all around the furniture and pet beds before a showing to eliminate any odors. Even pet owners don’t like smelly houses. Also, be sure that your lawn is immaculate when showing your property; you can even hire a pooper scooper service. As always, please feel free to call or email us if you have questions about promoting your home to pet owners or any other real estate-related topic. We are always here to be of service to you, your friends, family, or anyone else you know that could benefit from our real estate expertise. We look forward to hearing from you!

Q: What’s Been Happening in Our Real Estate Market?

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Tue, 12 May 2020 11:32:00 -0700

Entering May, here’s a quick look at how the real estate market is doing.

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We’re back with our monthly real estate market minute for May. First and foremost, we hope you’re staying safe and healthy. We’re here for you to help with whatever you need during this time—just reach out. Our real estate market is moving along, as over 1,000 homes were listed in April and 480 went under contract. The fact that our market is so active is good news. To learn more about what’s going on in real estate and how we can help you, watch the short video above.

Reach out to Us If You Need Anything

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:19:00 -0700

If you need anything at all while the country practices self-isolation and social distancing, let us know. We want to help.

Buying in Northern New Jersey? Get a Full Home Search

Selling in Northern New Jersey? Free Home Price Evaluation

We just wanted to reach out to let you know that our entire team is ready to be an ally to you during these challenging times. Over the past few weeks, our team has been able to provide a variety of services, like running errands for the elderly and providing meals to those in need. We also helped find college students to tutor the children of parents who needed support with their homeschooling. If you need anything at all, reach out and let us know! In the meantime, stay safe and healthy. To see our full message, watch the short video above.

How to Get the Edge on Your Competition

jeff@jeffadler.com (Jeff Adler) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 07:43:00 -0800

What’s the trick to buying a home in a frenzied spring market? Here’s how we’ll help you find success.

Buying in Northern New Jersey? Get a Full Home Search

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To increase your chances of buying the home you want in our competitive spring market, you need to have a strategy that gives you an edge. Here are a few key tips to ensure your success:

1. Be prepared. If you’re new to the town or area you’re buying in, it’s a good idea to spend a few weekends there before the home-buying season starts so you can get to know the area.

2. Scope out the neighborhood. Drive around the neighborhoods you like best at different times of the day so you know what to expect in terms of traffic for your morning and evening commutes.

3. Hire an agent who knows the area. Our team is familiar with many towns in our area, and our collective knowledge will be a valuable resource for you.

4. Make an offer. Focus more on how much the home is worth and less on what the seller is asking for, even if that means paying the list price (or more). Ask your agent to show you a comparative market analysis of sales to determine the actual value; we’ll look online to see what other similar homes have sold for. This will help you to make the best possible decision.

5. Trust your intuition. Every first-time homebuyer has a little bit of fear about buying a home, no matter the season, but the most important thing to consider is whether it feels right to move forward. If it doesn’t, another home will come along soon.

As your real estate agent, we will always be of service to you. Feel free to reach out to us anytime for your real estate needs. Hope to hear from you soon!