Within the first minute, people decide if they could live in your home. The problem is that there are so many homes on the market right now, that if yours doesn’t catch their eye immediately, then they have other choices. The struggling housing market is forcing people to take more drastic measures to sell their homes. Many homeowners say they need all the help they can get. With the market not being so good, there are ways you can make your house stand out. Staging your home is the way to make your house stand out in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas.

The idea of home staging is to highlight your home’s best attributes and positively affect potential buyers. Staging your home isn’t about your own tastes. It is about making the home appealing to the general population. Whether you go at it alone or use a stager, you need to have the attitude that your home is no longer your home.

Following are some tips to consider:

• Take down family pictures. Potential buyers need to picture themselves in your home, not you!
• Staging your rooms to show off their true potential. Clear out clutter or other personal items that will distract buyers.
• Painting the walls yourself is the cheapest upgrading option you have. This will really attract buyers. Try a neutral tone.

Staging your home is a great option to make your home stand out in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas. Let myself, Naasa Sherbeini, your agent offer you advice about how to make your house more attractive to buyers.
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/staging-your-home/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/staging-your-home/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/dTHJ6SJkojI/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/what-buyers-look-for-or-look-out-for-when-purchasing-a-home/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:51:11 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=19 What should buyers look for, or look out for when purchasing a home in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas? This article will help sellers look into some important aspects of selling their home and what potential buyers look out for as well.

The way you live in your house is not the way to sell your house. So, what makes a house a home for sale on the market, and one that soon has a “SOLD” sign out on the front lawn? And what aspects are important to look at because potential buyers will ask the question, “How much work are we going to need to do prior to moving in and beyond?” The appearance and cleanliness of the home are significant. Always have your home ready to be shown at a moment’s notice with me, your agent, Naasa Sherbeini because this is what buyers are looking for. And a tip- burned out lights need to be replaced; classy lighting and upgraded fixtures can ameliorate the value of a home. Also, buyers said they would be willing to pay more for a home with a renovated kitchen.

Here are some things a buyer will look out for when dealing with the purchase of a home. The buyer will consider the following:

• Exactly what property is included in the sale? Lighting fixtures, drapes or blinds, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and dryers are often problem areas.
• Is the neighborhood quiet, friendly? Are the homes well kept?
• Are there any development plans that will affect the property?
• The inspection report – are there any substantial problems with the house?
• Real estate taxes – what are the current property taxes, and what impact will your purchase have on the taxes?

Another issue that raises concern regarding buyer appeal is that sellers often mistakenly think that viewing empty properties will give the buyers an accurate sense of the space available. On the contrary, it is more difficult to really judge the size of a room without furniture and other objects as reference points. An empty room even allows buyers to focus on negative details instead of getting a sense of the overall space and the flow of each room to the next. Buyers need to ask themselves the question, “Can I see myself in this home?” Therefore, staging really helps buyers envision themselves in the space.

The idea of “staging” a home to make it look alluring to buyers has become popular during the last decade, as manifested by the proliferation of numerous home staging companies offering advice about how to make the house more attractive to buyers. Check out next’s months article about “Staging a Home.”

When selling your home with myself, Naasa Sherbeini, your agent keep in mind what buyers look for, or look out for before coming to look at your home in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas.
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/what-buyers-look-for-or-look-out-for-when-purchasing-a-home/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/what-buyers-look-for-or-look-out-for-when-purchasing-a-home/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/zcqWWoCaMYI/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/relocation-and-moving-tips-in-the-westfield-fanwood-scotch-plains-new-jersey-areas/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:10:33 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=17 Want the secret to an easy move? Whether you’re relocating just around the corner, renting a moving truck or are packing up the family for cross-country relocation, you’ll get the tips you need to survive. Here are some great moving tips to save you time and money.

The key is to stay organized, so check out moving checklists online to help you with your move to the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas. Make a list of questions to ask for either your local moving truck rental business or decide if you need to go with actually hiring a moving company.

Experts in the moving and storage industry say that, you should plan six to eight weeks in advance to book a reputable moving company. Finding that reputable company can be a challenge, however, and a little research should be done before you entrust all of your worldly possessions to professional care. Check out listings online of moving companies that allow you to compare movers and interview moving companies to find just the right one. On interstate moves, charges are based on the weight of the items to be moved, the distance to be moved, packing, and other services. Get two or three estimates well in advance of your move. Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau about any moving company you are considering.

Renting a moving vehicle or a portable on demand moving crate can be your best and easiest option to make sure your stuff gets moved to the new place the way you want them to. If you choose to rent a moving vehicle, you can rent it the day of the move or the day before. If you really want a lot of time to make sure you can arrange your furniture and household goods in your moving vehicle, then you might consider an on demand storage unit. These units get delivered to your driveway and you have as long as you need to fill it up. Then, when it is full, you call the company and they will come and pick the container up and deliver it to storage or to your new home.

No matter which moving option you choose, you will make things a lot easier on yourself if you weed out all the “stuff” that you haven’t used in a long time and donate it or throw it out. Start packing the items you want to keep but don’t use everyday away well before the moving day. Think about this tip: get wardrobe boxes to pack clothes. By simply hanging clothes inside these boxes, you’ll save time both packing and unpacking.

Facing relocation can be scary. Let your Real Estate agent, Naasa Sherbeini, ease the pain with packing tips, relocation advice and moving companies that specialize in relocation near and far.
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/relocation-and-moving-tips-in-the-westfield-fanwood-scotch-plains-new-jersey-areas/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/relocation-and-moving-tips-in-the-westfield-fanwood-scotch-plains-new-jersey-areas/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/rDHnPUW6Xq4/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/unclutter-your-home-and-get-it-ready-to-sell/#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 00:36:50 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=15 It is very important to make a great first impression to the potential buyers of your home. Every seller wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it’s not luck that makes that happen. It’s careful planning and knowing how to efficiently unclutter your home that will excite buyers. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an appealing and marketable home.

Get rid of those items that have been sitting around for years without being used or even handled. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Buyers and real estate agents should see your house in its best condition from the very first day it’s on the market.

Here are a few approaches to take to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”

Another way to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell is to make those minor repairs and best of all, make the house sparkle! Only do one room, or even one small area, at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Your best friend is the trash bag; when in doubt, throw it out. Many find it easier to use boxes to sort items, so you don’t have to find a home for everything as you unclutter. Most important, be quick and decisive when sorting. Tell yourself:
• If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

If you are getting your house ready to sell in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas, then take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas where you can unclutter your home and let myself, Naasa Sherbeini, your agent help you to get your house ready to sell.
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/unclutter-your-home-and-get-it-ready-to-sell/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/unclutter-your-home-and-get-it-ready-to-sell/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/YyIxE9qmvT4/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/the-value-of-homeownership/#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:09:10 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=13 Homeownership may be the most important asset-building strategy for individuals. The value of homeownership gives homeowners a feeling of control, a greater sense of security and stability.

Homeownership is typically given a lot of importance and homeowners are generally allowed to do whatever they wish in their homes. Homeowners have the right to make choices and decisions regarding changes to their homes that renters may not be able to make.

Homeownership is a financial goal most families share. There are significant community benefits to homeownership as well. Owning a home gives residents a stake in the community and a sense of “rootedness” in their neighborhoods. Enjoying the privacy that a home brings, making long lasting friendships with neighbors and best of all taking pride in your home. The pride you’ll feel in owning and improving your home is an emotional value that cannot be expressed in dollars and cents. The value of homeownership has been thought to pro-mote thrift, stability, and neighborliness.

Homeownership is thought to be an important element in achieving personal fulfillment. When asked to define the good life, polls have shown that many Americans value owning a home over such factors as an automobile, a happy marriage, an interesting or high-paying job, and good health. The value of homeownership is credited with increasing self-esteem, life satisfaction, and an overall feeling of worth. Owning a home embodies the promise of individual independence but there are also many responsibilities that come with owning a home. The value of homeownership has been thought to pro-mote thrift, stability, and neighborliness.

If you are looking to buy your own home in Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas, these are some points to consider when seeing the value of homeownership. Allow me, your Real Estate agent, Naasa Sherbeini to help you see the value of homeownership.
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/the-value-of-homeownership/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/the-value-of-homeownership/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/FZX8lCMD-J4/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/going-green-in-new-jersey/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:59:42 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=11 Have you heard the news! Green real estate is getting lots of buzz. More and more homebuyers are looking for ways to increase their green footprint. They are looking for that perfect home and yard that will give them eco-luxury. Going Green in Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey is happening as we know it.

Not only are we worried about our cleaning supplies being green, but now we want our homes to be green also. Homes with amenities like Gammpar floors, LEED-certified building materials, double-paned windows and even docking stations for electric cars! Also, homes that boast features like rainwater harvesting, passive air ventilation, reclaimed fixtures and recycled content tile and flooring.

This may all seem very over-whelming, but there are a lot of sites on the web that will help you fully understand just what finding a “green” home entails. It will be worth the research and will make your life more comfortable in the long run. Just “Google” the words “green real estate”, for starters. Enjoy the search and learn what makes a “green” home; a home that you want to be a part of. We all want to do our part and so let’s enjoy all of the eco-luxury that we can.

Just a side note – there’s no denying that the mortgage meltdown has meant tragedy for many home owners. But take a look around. You’ll see there’s very positive activity in many vibrant markets throughout the US especially in Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas. By focusing on the good news and passing the message around, we can help speed up the market recovery. Don’t panic, let’s all do our part!
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/going-green-in-new-jersey/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/going-green-in-new-jersey/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/iotW03YOzp0/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/real-estate-%e2%80%93-it%e2%80%99s-not-going-away/#comments Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:46:09 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=9 The oldest use of the term “Real Estate” that has been preserved in historical records was in 1666. In other words, real estate has been around for a very long time. However, it is not going away! It will be around until the end of time. What a comfort that is. With the slump that is happening, it is a reassurance to know that even if the economy gets bad, real estate is here to stay.

Real Estate is a legal term, according to Wikipedia, that encompasses land along with anything permanently affixed to the land, such as buildings, specifically property that is stationary, or fixed in location. The word “fixed” is the keyword here, meaning unmovable. Real Estate is here to stay!

Wikipedia also states that it has been argued that the word Real is derived from “royal”. For hundreds of years the Royal family and/or King owned the land, and the peasants paid rent or property taxes to be on the Royal’s land. Today, just like hundreds of years in the past, we pay property taxes, or rent to be on the government’s land or the Royal Estate. Isn’t it great to know that even though we do have to pay property taxes our homes are owned by us and not a king or government or royal family!

This article has been a little bit about the history of Real Estate, but thankfully there is a great future for real estate. Make your own future and invest in “Real” estate.

If you are looking for a home or selling real estate in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas then we can help!
]]> http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/real-estate-%e2%80%93-it%e2%80%99s-not-going-away/feed/ 0 http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/real-estate-%e2%80%93-it%e2%80%99s-not-going-away/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestfieldRealEstate/~3/y3u9DeFKG4o/ http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/find-your-dream-home-in-new-jersey/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:01:09 +0000 Naasa Sherbeini http://www.westfieldrealestatenow.com/?p=7 Is your dream home etched in your mind? Are you just waiting for the perfect time to bring it to reality? Now is the time! The market is slow at this time, which makes it a buyer’s market. With the interest rates low and many homes available, there is no better time than the present especially if you are looking for a home in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey areas.

Make a list of what you want your dream home to look and feel like. Involve the whole family in this project. After all, you want them to be happy too. Once you have this list, you have the advantage to take your time and look for that perfect home for you and your family. Then, when you start looking, don’t veer from the list. In other words, make sure that the homes that you are looking at have every quality that you have listed. Don’t settle for second best.

Use your senses: once you walk into a home you can feel the personality of that home. Here are some thoughts that should be going through your head:

• Does it fit your personality?
• Does the neighborhood feel right?
• Can you see your family enjoying many, many years of happiness in this home?

Another great idea would be to let me help you find your dream home. I have been inside many homes in the Westfield, Fanwood, Scotch Plains New Jersey area and will be able to help you narrow your search down until we find the perfect home for you and your family.

So head on over to my website at Westfieldtophomes.com and let me help you find your “Dream Home”!

Wikipedia describes the American Dream as a belief in freedom that allows all citizens and residents of the United States of America to achieve their goals in life through hard work. A part of that American Dream is to own our own home, you know, that proverbial house with the white picket fence and all.

Americans have a long tradition of a solid work ethic to reach our dreams. No doubt about it, it does take a lot of work to own your own home. Over the years, the American Dream has changed a bit in relation to finding that home. Years ago it was much simpler. You purchased a plot of land and built your house on it. Now, we spend hours and hours looking for the right area to live; the right schools for our children; and the perfect house with the perfect yard. We have to make sure the house we buy has the best of everything. This can be exhausting!!! Not to mention, do the neighbors have barking dogs?!

In spite of today’s complexities, the American Dream is still alive – dreaming of making a better life for ourselves and our families. We have high hopes and great expectations. Our goals are founded on those high hopes, and we will do anything to achieve them.

America is known as the land of plenty, the land of opportunity, and the land of destiny. Free enterprise is at the foundation of that dream. In relation to owning our own home, the possibilities are limitless in America. We have so many choices and are very fortunate. In America, owning your own home (private property) is a fundamental, unalienable right. This American Dream is real, and it can be achieved.

The paradox is: some people say that we are working so hard to make the American Dream happen that we are not taking the time to enjoy the American Dream.

I am here to help you not only make your dreams come true but to help you enjoy the process of finding the home of your dreams in the Westfield, Fanwood, and Scotch Plains New Jersey areas.

So . . . live your dream, but enjoy the journey!