Just in Time for Fall…

Open House this Weekend
Saturday (7/24) & Sunday (7/25)
2-4p

118 Henshaw Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081

Beautifully framed by lovely landscaping, this Colonial/Split-Level is certain to draw attention. Situated on a quiet street, this engaging home is positioned to take full advantage of all this desirable community has to offer. Only your belongings and personal touch are required in a place you can easily call home.

As sunlight pours in through large windows, the neutral décor welcomes a wide array of furnishings. You will be thrilled with the spacious, well-equipped kitchen, while the floor plan is made for entertaining and daily living.

Bedrooms are nestled on the upper levels, offering restful sleep for everyone. Outside, the patio easily supports dining and entertaining, while the backyard is beautifully landscaped and private.

Lifestyle

• Beautifully finished across 4 levels with comfortable bedrooms and exceptional leisure space
• Interior features include hardwood floor in the living room
• Updated, white gourmet eat-in kitchen
• Primary bedroom with en-suite bath
• Bedroom #2 on second floor
• Two bedrooms on third floor
• Family room, laundry room and utilities on ground level
• Central air conditioning and forced hot air heating

Exterior

• Clapboard siding
• Attached 1-car garage
• Paved driveway
• Paver Patio
• Preferred neighborhood close to schools, shopping, recreation, and NYC transportation

Particulars

• Colonial/Split Level
• 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
• Built: 1940
• Lot size: 0.13 acres (50 x 112)

Offered at $489,000

Hope to see you…

www.118HenshawAve.com

The post 118 Henshaw Ave, Springfield, NJ 07081 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

Open House
Saturday (5/8) & Sunday (5/9)
2-4p

17 South Mountain Road
Millburn, NJ 07041

Welcome Home!!! 4 Bedroom/3.2 Bath Colonial blocks to schools, town, Taylor Park & Midtown Direct Trainline

Resting on a beautifully landscaped property, this Colonial enjoys a lovely setting and desirable South Mountain location close to all this thriving community has to offer. Through loving care and thoughtful updates, this home remains fresh and modern.

As sunlight pours in through large windows, the neutral décor welcomes a wide array of furnishings. You will be thrilled with the spacious, well-equipped kitchen, while the open floor plan is made for entertaining and daily living.

Bedrooms are nestled on the upper levels, offering restful sleep for everyone. Outside, the deck easily supports dining and entertaining, while the backyard is beautifully landscaped and private.

Lifestyle 

• Beautifully finished across 4 levels with an open-concept main living area, comfortable bedrooms, and exceptional leisure space
• Interior features include skylights, hardwood floors, recessed lights, and crown moldings
• Wood-burning fireplace in living room
• Primary bedroom with en-suite bath
• Third-floor guest or in-law bedroom
• Powder room on first floor; Recreation room, home office, laundry room, powder room, and storage in finished basement
• Central air conditioning and steam heating

Exterior 

• Clapboard siding
• Covered front porch
• Detached 2-car garage
• Paved driveway with additional parking
• Deck
• Preferred South Mountain neighborhood close to schools, shopping, recreation, and NYC transportation

Particulars 

• Colonial
• 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms
• Built: 1926 / Renovated: 2003
• Lot size: 0.17 acres (50 x 145)

Offered at $889,000

Contact Perri @ 973.650.4727 to preview 17 South Mountain Road in Millburn, NJ.

The post 17 South Mountain Road, Millburn, NJ 07041 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

1 Jordanna Ct, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Saturday & Sunday
April 17th & April 18th
2-4p

Move right into this stunning 5 bed/2.1 Classic Center Hall Colonial set on a quiet tree-lined street in Bedminster Village, New Jersey.

When an immaculate interior, lovely setting and prime location top your list, look no further than this classic center-hall Colonial. Built-in 1996, this fine home is positioned to take full advantage of all this thriving community has to offer. Resting on nearly half an acre of beautifully landscaped property, curb appeal is only the beginning.

As sunlight pours in through large windows, the neutral décor welcomes a wide array of furnishings. You will be thrilled with the gourmet eat-in kitchen, while the open floor plan is made for entertaining and daily living.

Lifestyle 

• Beautifully finished across 3 levels with an open-concept main living area, comfortable bedrooms, and exceptional leisure space
• Interior features include high ceilings, hardwood floors, recessed lights, and crown moldings
• Wood-burning fireplace in the family room
• Eat-in kitchen with granite counters and center island breakfast bar
• Master bedroom with walk-in closet and spa-like en-suite bath with soaker tub
• Laundry room and powder room on the first floor; Home office and loft on the second floor; Recreation room, game room, and storage in the finished basement
• Multi-zone central air conditioning
• Security system
• Thermal windows

Exterior 

• Low-maintenance vinyl siding
• Covered front porch
• Attached 2-car garage with an automatic door opener
• Paved driveway with additional parking
• Deck, underground sprinklers
• Close to top-rated schools, shopping, recreation, and NYC transportation
• Easy access to major highways, business centers, and airports

Particulars

• Center-hall Colonial
• 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
• Built: 1996
• Lot size: 0.43 acres

Contact Perri @ 973.650.4727 for a preview of 1 Jordanna Ct, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Please feel free to browse our website and get in touch if you want to buy a home in New Jersey or to sell your home.

The post 1 Jordanna Ct, Bedminster, NJ 07921 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

301 Glen Avenue
Short Hills, NJ 07078

Saturday & Sunday
January 16th & January 17th
2-4p

This Storybook Tudor brimming with original Chestnut woodwork, character and bright, beautiful natural light is a must-see! Only .5 mi to Midtown Direct train & downtown Millburn.

Enter the front vestibule into the expansive living room w/ stone wood-burning fireplace, sparkling leaded windows and hardwood floors. The huge eat-in kitchen, complete with wood cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, breakfast bar and additional dining/hangout space that features a wall of windows overlooks the idyllic backyard. The formal dining room doubles as a game room.  Upstairs, enjoy three bedrooms–Master with en-suite, a hall full bath and a large, vaulted family room perfect for game night or your home office. A walk-up attic, basement, backyard bluestone patio and “secret garden” complete the picture.

Contact Perri TODAY for a Preview 973.650.4727.

The post 301 Glen Avenue Short Hills NJ 07078 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

304 Monroe Court, Whippany, NJ 07981

Saturday 10/31 & Sunday 11/1
2-4p

Upgraded Builder’s Model End Unit with three finished levels and 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths & 2 half baths. Featuring upscale finishes & custom details, including plantation shutters throughout.

Open floor plan & hardwood on the first floor. The sun lit foyer with 2 story staircase beckons you into the expansive Family Room with gas fireplace, Dining Room, Gourmet white eat-in chef’s Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, center island, granite counters & new wine bar that opens onto your deck. Your Home Office, Mud Room & Powder Room complete the first floor.

Second floor Master Suite has generous walk in closets with custom shelving, Spa Master Bath with glass enclosed shower and soaker tub. Two Bedrooms share a Jack & Jill Bath, 4^th Bedroom has its own En-suite Bath. Large Laundry room on the second floor.

Huge full finished Basement has a Rec Room, Exercise/Game area, lots of storage & a Powder Room.

Lifestyle   

• Beautifully finished across 3 levels with an open-concept main living area, comfortable bedrooms, and exceptional leisure space
• Interior features include hardwood floors, recessed lights, and plantation shutters
• Gas fireplace in family room
• Eat-in kitchen with subway tile backsplash, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, center island breakfast bar, and wine bar
• Master bedroom with walk-in closets and en suite bath
• Fourth bedroom with en suite bath
• Home office, mud room, and powder room on first floor; Laundry room on second floor; Recreation room, game room, and powder room in finished basement
• Central air conditioning
• Security system
• Thermal windows

Exterior 

• Low-maintenance vinyl siding
• Covered front portico
• Attached garage with automatic door opener
• Paved driveway with additional parking
• Deck
• Whippany Crossing complex
• Close to top-rated schools, shopping, recreation, and NYC transportation
• Easy access to major highways, business centers, and airports

Particulars 

• End-unit Builder’s Model townhouse
• 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms
• 3399 square feet
• Built: 2017

Offered at $960,000

Whippany is within Hanover Township and is an amazing place to live and play.
Check out the Top 5 Things to do in Hanover Township

The post Whippany Crossing Stunner appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

612 Kensington Lane
Livingston, NJ 07039

…and into the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Excelsior town home at The Regency you have been waiting for! Move-in ready with the best location backing to the woods, high end designer upgrades & very private.

Three sun-lit levels feature Brazilian cherry wood floors on the main level, chef’s dream eat-in kitchen with center island & stainless appliances. A dual-sided gas fireplace sits between the formal dining room & living room. A large enclosed porch is perfect for everyday enjoyment. The master suite boasts cathedral ceilings, custom closets, en-suite bath with whirlpool tub & separate shower. The Regency is a gated community with clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor pool & tennis courts…conveniently located close to Jitney to NYC train & Express Bus to city, major highways, schools, shopping & restaurants.

Offered at $565,000. Contact Perri @ 973.650.4727 for a look inside.  Additional pix here

The post 612 Kensington Lane, Livingston, NJ 07039 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

88 Southern Blvd, Chatham Township, NJ 07928

Move right into this partially furnished newly renovated 4 bedroom/2.5 bath center-hall colonial home with a huge backyard in sought after Chatham Twp. Hardwood floors throughout with new appliances, updated powder room, formal dining room and large living room with wood burning fireplace. The eat-in kitchen flows into the open concept family room with french doors leading to an expansive deck and serene backyard. Mudroom/laundry on the first floor with entrance to the 2 car garage. The second level is equally inviting with master bedroom en-suite plus 3 more bedrooms and renovated baths. Fully finished basement. Just blocks to all of the highly rated Chatham schools with the convenience of a NYC commute…minutes to local farms, hiking trails and downtown. Also available unfurnished.

Contact Perri immediately for more info 973.650.4727

The post 88 Southern Blvd, Chatham Twp, NJ 07928 appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

Here are a few tips for creating comfortable and functional spaces within your home for work, school, and fitness. We also share some of our favorite ways to stay connected as a community, because we’re all in this together … and no one should face these trying times alone.

Begin with the Basics

A basic home emergency preparedness kit is a great addition to any home, even under normal circumstances. It should include items like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, first aid kit, and other essentials you would need should you temporarily lose access to food, water, or electricity.

Fortunately, authorities don’t anticipate any serious interruptions to utilities or the food supply during this outbreak. However, it may be a good time to start gathering your emergency basics in a designated location, so you’ll be prepared now-—and in the future—should your family ever need them.

 Working From Home

Many employees are being asked to work remotely. If you’re transitioning to a home office for the first time, it’s important to create a designated space for work … so it doesn’t creep into your home life, and vice versa. If you live in a small condominium or apartment, this may feel impossible. But try to find a quiet corner where you can set up a desk and comfortable chair. The simple act of separating your home and work spaces can help you focus during work hours and “turn off” at the end of the day.

Of course, if you have children who are home with you all day (given all of the schools and daycares are now closed), separating your home and work life will be more difficult. Unless you have a partner who can serve as the primary caregiver, you will need to help manage the needs of your children while juggling work and virtual meetings.

If both parents are working from home, try alternating shifts, so you each have a designated time to work and to parent. If that’s not an option, experts recommend creating a schedule for your children, so they know when you’re available to play, and when you need to work.¹ A red stop sign on the door can help remind them when you shouldn’t be disturbed. And for young children, blocking off a specific time each day for them to nap or have independent screen time can give you a window to schedule conference calls or work uninterrupted.

Homeschooling Your Children

Many parents with school-aged children will be taking on a new challenge: homeschooling. Similar to a home office, designating a space for learning activities can help your child transition between play and school. If you’re working from home, the homeschooling area would ideally be located near your workspace, so you can help and answer questions, as needed.

If possible, dedicate a desk or table where your child’s work can be spread out—and left out when they break for meals and snacks. Position supplies and materials nearby so they are independently accessible and place a trash can and recycling bin within reach for easy cleanup. A washable, plastic tablecloth can help transition an academic space into an arts and crafts area.

If the weather is nice, try studying outside! A porch swing is a perfect spot for reading, and gardening in the backyard is a great addition to any science curriculum.

In addition to creating an academic learning environment, find age-appropriate opportunities for your children to help with household chores and meal preparation. Homeschooling advocates emphasize the importance of developing life skills alongside academic ones.² And with more meals and activities taking place at home, there will be ample opportunity for every family member to pitch in and help.

Staying Fit

With gyms closed and team sports canceled, it can be tempting to sit on the sofa and binge Netflix (We are in the middle of Hunters and Self Made.) However, maintaining the physical health and mental wellness of you and your family is crucial right now. Implementing a regular exercise routine at home can help with both.

If you live in a community where you can safely exercise outdoors while maintaining the recommended distance between you and other residents, try to get out as much as possible. If the weather is nice, go for family walks, jogs, or bike rides. Our family has enjoyed our walks through the South Mountain Reservation this past week…here is a waterfall we found:

Can’t get outside? Fortunately, you don’t need a home gym or fancy exercise equipment to stay fit. Look for a suitable space in your home, garage, or basement where you can comfortably move—you’ll probably need at least a 6’ x 6’ area for each person. Many cardio and strength training exercises require little (or no) equipment, including jumping jacks, lunges, and pushups.

And if you prefer a guided workout, search for free exercise videos on YouTube—there are even options specifically geared towards kids—or try one of the many fitness apps available.

Socializing From a Distance

Even though we’re all being called upon to practice “social distancing” right now, there are still ways to stay safely connected to our communities and our extended families. Picking up the phone is a great place to start. Make an effort to reach out to neighbors and loved ones who live alone and may be feeling particularly isolated right now.

And while parties and playdates are prohibited, modern technology offers countless ways to organize networked gatherings with family and friends. Try using group video conferencing tools like Google Hangouts and Zoom to facilitate a virtual happy hour or book club. Host a Netflix Party to watch (and chat about) movies with friends. Or plan a virtual game night and challenge your pals to a round of Psych or Yahtzee.

There are safe ways to connect offline, too. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing. Drop off groceries on an elderly neighbor’s porch. Or organize a neighborhood “chalk walk,” where children use sidewalk chalk to decorate their driveways and then head out for a stroll to view their friends’ artwork.

Of course, there’s one group of people who you can still socialize with freely—those who reside in your home. Family dinners are back, siblings are reconnecting, and many of us have been given the gift of time, with commutes, activities, and obligations eliminated. In fact, some families are finding that this crisis has brought them closer than ever.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Even with all of the tools and technology available to keep us connected, many of us are still feeling stressed, scared, and isolated. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone. We’re not only here to help you buy and sell real estate. We want to be a resource to our clients and community through good times and bad. If you and your family are in need of assistance, please reach out and let us know how Midtown Direct Homes can help.

Sources:

1. CNBC –
   https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/how-to-work-from-home-with-your-kids-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html
2. TheHomeSchoolMom.com –
   https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/benefits-of-homeschooling-2/
3. 75 of the Best Activities for Pre-Schoolers
   https://frugalfun4boys.com/75-preschool-activities/

The post #StayHome: How to Create Functional Spaces in Your New Jersey Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

Home is the very best place to be right now. My heart is heavy for so many people right now. We do need to stay in place to get this monster under control. Love and hugs to all.

The post Home is the Place to be. appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.

Declutter and Clean

First, declutter and clean the countertops until they shine and sparkle. Leave a generous amount of empty space on countertops to make the kitchen look bigger. If your kitchen has an island, place bar stools underneath it so that homebuyers can envision their kids doing homework or the family eating lunch there.

Cabinets and Hardware

Remove the doors from one of your cabinets. Open shelving is chic. If cabinets look old and drab, either repaint them or install new cabinet doors. Consider replacing old hardware with spiffy brass or copper handles. If your kitchen faucet is circa the 1970s, install an interesting, modern faucet.

Painting

Painting the walls will refresh the kitchen and will help your home sell quicker, for a higher price. Since you don’t know what colors appeal to the masses, stick with neutral colors such as vanilla mocha, white, gray, etc.  Have you heard the buzz about black being the new white? Even if black lower cabinets sound appealing to you, resist the black paint can when staging your home for sale. Prospective homebuyers may not be as enamored with dark colors as you.

Appliances

So, you don’t have stainless steel appliances? No worries. Just ensure all your kitchen appliances are the same color. If not, consider purchasing a replacement for the non-matching appliance(s). Eliminate anything that clutters your refrigerator door, such as magnets, kid’s art, business cards, cute sayings, etc.

Staging Your Kitchen, A Few Extra Great Tips!

Prospective homebuyers will open anything that is closed in the kitchen. Ensure you clean inside your cabinets, fridge, dishwasher, and kitchen drawers. Then spray window cleaner on countertops and appliances to make them shine.

It’s true – kitchens go a long way to sell homes. Yet, final decisions are based on the homebuyer’s emotions (typically those of the female). This means to eliminate all traces of your personality so that interested people can see themselves puttering, baking, and entertaining in their new kitchen. Bare countertops aren’t inviting. Here are tips for vignettes, aka kitchen “stories,” to ignite the buyer’s imagination.

If you have an eat-in kitchen, arrange place settings on the island, table or bar. Use colorful cloth mats and napkins, good dishes, and glasses. Homebuyers can visualize serving their friends and family tasty meals.

Or, fashion a memory-making scenario with a china teapot, two teacups and saucers, and a glass canister of herbal teas. Arrange the items on a tray. Prospective homebuyers can imagine themselves and a friend “taking tea” and chatting in their homey kitchen.

For a pretty pop of color, stack 3-4 cookbooks and place a scented potted plant, like lavender or indoor citrus on top. Whether you choose orange, lemon, or lime, indoor citrus plants are an awesome way to refresh your kitchen.

You get the idea – too much bare countertop space is boring – too many vignettes are confusing. Step back and take an objective look at your kitchen décor. You’ll know when it’s just right.

Looking to sell you home? Midtown Direct Homes can help you. And we can certainly make sure your kitchen is staged beautifully. Contact us to see what we can do for you.

The post DIY: Staging Your Kitchen When Selling Your Home appeared first on Midtown Direct Homes.