Passaic County NJ Real Estate Blog

Orly Steinberg

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Displaying blog entries 191-200 of 221

Fun Things To Do In Ringwood, NJ

Sunday, July 15, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

Summer is in full swing and as the novelty of being out of school begins to wear off, most parents are bracing themselves for the inevitable “I’m booooored” that is just bound to come out of their children’s mouths soon.

 

Below are links to several fun things to do with your children this summer to get them outside and enjoying this beautiful time of year in Ringwood:

 

 

For more information about living in Ringwood, NJ and Ringwood NJ real estate, please call me at 973-962-5410 or visit my website at www.OnlyOrly.com. Here’s to an exciting second half of the summer!

The Fire Station And My Ringwood Home

Monday, July 09, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

So what does the location of my Ringwood or Wanaque home have to do with the fire station?

Most insurance companies will ask the proximity of your home to the nearest fire station or fire hydrant. The closer together they are the cheaper the insurance.

The theory behind this is, if there were to be a fire, the closer the house is to the fire station, the faster the response time and the less damage done to the house.

Often, your insurance agent will ask  you how far the house is from the fire station and if you are like most new home buyers, you don't have any idea.  With this link you can locate the fire department for your town, and map the distance from your house to the fire station.

For more information about homeowners insurance or Ringwood NJ real estate visit OnlyOrly.com or give me a call at 973-962-5410. I'm glad to help!

Ringwood Real Estate Sales Statistics - May 2007

Friday, June 29, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

"Home sales are projected to move in a relatively narrow range with a gradual
upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of the year according to the latest
forecast by the National Association of Realtors. Overall housing levels are
historically strong, but sales remain sluggish compared to the recent boom."

Locally, the Ringwood and Wanaque real estate sales were sluggish in May,
but prices stabilized.

Eleven homes sold in Ringwood this May compared to 13 sales in May 2006
which is a 15 percent decrease. The average market time this May was 111 days
vs. 80 days last year.

Ringwood average sale prices increased in May by 12 percent compared to 
May 2006, bringing the average sales price to $451,145. The May 2006 average
price was $436,808.

Ringwood

Active
Listings

Sold
Listings

Median
Sale price

Average
Sale Price

Average
DOM

May 2007

97

11

$455,000

$451,145

111

May 2006

137

13

$370,000

$436,808

80

The Wanaque market, like Ringwood, showed an increase in prices in May. The
average sales price increased 1 percent to $346,483 compared to last May's
$342,506 price. The median sale price declined 9 percent, bringing it to $319,900.

The number of active listings in Wanaque decreased in May by 14 percent,
compared to May 2006. Sales also decreased by 33 percent. The average market
time decreased 5 percent...53 days vs 56 days a year ago.

Wanaque

Active
Listings

Sold
Listings

Medain
Sale Price

Average
Sale Price

Average
DOM

May 2007

101

6

$319,900

$346,483

53

May 2006

117

9

$350,000

$342,506

56

This is the perfect time to buy or sell a home in Ringwood or Wanaque. Buyers can
take advantage of more negotiable sellers in a slower market. But sellers are also
looking at rising prices again.

Are you thinkling of buying a home? Get a daily email list of new homes for sale as
they hit the market by visiting RingwoodHomeSearch.com. It is fast, easy and FREE! 

Statistics are based on information from the Garden State MLS. They are deemed reliable, but not
guaranteed. 

Reasons To Own A Ringwood NJ Home

Monday, June 25, 2007
by Orly Steinberg
There are lots of financial arguments about why you should own your own home rather than rent. This includes budgeting (no rent increases) and the tax savings you'll most likely have. Now we're going to give you some reasons you probably haven't heard.

1. Freedom to pursue other goals in life once the major goal of home ownership is achieved.
Strange as it sounds, many of our first-time buyers have told us that once they bought the house, other things in their life started to fall into place. It's as if not owning took so much of their mental energy that other goals were not worked on until that big goal was reached. So buy a home and get on with your life!

2.  A greater sense of belonging to the community.

Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the city in which you live. You're more interested in what happens in town, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas. Some people even become involved in local politics.

3. A commitment to something, a sense of stability.

Home ownership is an anchor, something that cannot be pulled out from under you. You'll never get a notice that you have to move. You're kids will never have to change schools. It gives you freedom to plan years ahead.

4. You can change things, a feeling of being in control.

In a neighborhood, kids usually play in the yards or go to friend's houses a few doors away. Our clients have told us that in an apartment complex they never knew where the kids were. They could be in any of hundreds of apartments, doing who knows what. In a home you get to know the neighbors and watch out for each other's kids.

6: Children do better in school and feel more secure.
This one surprised us, but buyers have reported to us that their kids calmed down in school after they bought a house. We don't know why, but it seems to work that way. We remember a single mom watching her son play in the yard, making steps in the slope and building things. She didn't have to tell him to leave everything alone, like she did at the apartment complex. I guess kids feel the same need for control we adults do.

7. Time and money saved by not going to the Laundromat.
A small point, but if you have kids, you know the value of this one. You gain a whole evening a week when you buy a house! The wash gets done in between other things, or while you're at work. What would you do with the extra evening you'll have? How about going out for dessert with your spouse with all those quarters?

It's your home. You can add to it, remodel it, change the landscaping, do whatever projects you want. You have a feeling of being in control of something in your life. At work we don't always have control of what happens, but your home is your castle and you have dominion over it. You can see what you're building take shape before your eyes.

5.  More control over the children than in an apartment complex
Interested in buying a Ringwood home? You can search all Ringwood real estate listings by visiting my website or give me a call for more personal service.

Happy Fathers Day!

Friday, June 15, 2007
by Orly Steinberg
Father's Day is this Sunday. In honor of all the fathers and father figures, I’d like to share a short three minute movie titled: To A Child Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E. It’s one of my all time favorites, and it takes my breath away every time I watch it!
 
So sit back, turn up your speakers and click on the link below. And please share it with friends, family members and co-workers. They’ll love you for doing it!
 

June National Homeownership Month

Tuesday, June 12, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

June has been declared by President Bush as National Homeownership Month. One of the first steps to realizing the American Dream of owning your own home is getting pre-approved for your home loan.

The current problems with the sub-prime mortgage market emphasize how critical it is to find a reputable, trust-worthy lender to work with. We work with mortgage lenders day in and day out and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.

We are glad to refer you to knowledgeable, reputable and competitive lenders who will present you with all the options available to you, in order for you to make the best financial decision for you and your family.  Just give us a call, 973-962-5410, or send us an email. We are pleased to be able to help!

Search all Ringwoord homes for sale by visiting our website, HomesByOrly.com.

 

What Is A Buyers Market?

Saturday, June 02, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

Papers, magazines and the Internet are filled with stories about how the Ringwood real estate market is slowing down. It is taking months to sell a house when a couple of years ago it took days. If you have been waiting for the right time to buy a house, it may be time for you to do so.

This kind of market is referred to as a "buyers market" and for good reason--it is an opportunity for buyers to select from the largest number of homes that could fit their needs. There are more homes for sale than there are buyers. and the law of supply and demand in working in the favor of the buyer.

Everyone involved is ready to bend over backwards to make it possible for you to buy your dream home. Most sellers are highly motivated and so are the local real estate agents, loan officers, title companies, and other professionals involved in the transaction.

It is important to remember that the real estate market runs in cycles, and conditions can change without a lot of warning. This is the perfect time to contact me to discuss your needs and to explore the possibilities available to you. I can be reached at 973-962-5410 or orly@onlyorly.com, and feel free to view all Ringwood real estate listings on my website.

 

Memorial Day Remembrance

Saturday, May 26, 2007
by Orly Steinberg
http://www.onlyorl;.comWhat Heroes Gave
by Roger J. Robicheau (Sp 5, US Army)
The Poetic Plumber

Each donned their uniform to be
Defenders of our liberty

Their mission sure, their spirits bright
Guard freedom’s home, be brave to fight

One final day each faced their call
Each gave their best enduring all

We’ll never know what they went through
But know they loved this country true

Deep down inside we should all feel
What heroes gave, their cost so real

We must stay thankful, grateful of
The gift of freedom through their love

Their loved ones bore the gravest pain
What we can’t know, some now sustain

To God I pray their pain will cease
And each will find long-lasting peace

Remember this from year to year
What heroes gave – shan’t disappear

We’ll never let their special day
Their time for honor slip away

These brave fought for a nation free
If not for them, where would we be?

Ringwood Housing Trends - April 2007

Friday, May 18, 2007
by Orly Steinberg

"Housing activity this year will be somewhat lower than in earlier forecasts, with clearer analysis of the effects of stricter lending standards and a decline in subprime mortgage origination, according to the latest projections by the National Association of Realtors." The latest predictions are for existing homes sales to be down 2.9 percent and prices to be down 1 percent compared to 2006.

The Ringwood and Wanaque real estate markets are adhering to the National Association of Realtors predictions. Let's take a look at April statistics.

Seven homes sold in Ringwood this April compared to 14 sales in April 2006 which is a 50 percent decrease. The average market time this April was 90 days vs. 97 days last year.

Ringwood average sale price, also, declined in April by 12 percent compared to April 2006, bringing the average sales price to $326,000. The April 2006 average price was $371,849.

The median sales price declined by 3 percent compared to a year ago. Active listings declined by 34 percent in April.

Ringwood

Active
Listings

Sold
Listings

Median
Sale price

Average
Sale Price

Average
DOM

April 2007

89

7

$347,500

$326,00

90

April 2006

135

14

$360,000

$371,849

97

The Wanaque market, like Ringwood, showed a decrease in prices in April. The average sales price decreased 19 percent to $333,982 compared to last April's $414,791 price. The median sale price declined 18 percent, bringing it to $349,900.

Unlike Ringwood, the number of active listings increased 4 percent, compared to April 2006 and sales, also, increased by 8 percent. The average market time increased 252 percent...109 days vs 31 days.

Wanaque

Active
Listings

Sold
Listings

Medain
Sale Price

Average
Sale Price

Average
DOM

April 2007

101

12

$349,900

$333,982

109

April 2006

97

11

$427,900

$414,791

31

Spring is the perfect time to buy a home. Now is when inventory is the largest, as sellers are trying to sell and get moved before the end of summer.

Are you thinkling of buying a home? Get a daily email list of new homes for sale as they hit the market by visiting RingwoodHomeSearch.com. It is fast, easy and FREE! 

Statistics are based on information from the Garden State MLS. They are deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Happy Mother's Day

Saturday, May 12, 2007
by Orly Steinberg
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their
arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying,
"It's okay honey, Mommy's here."

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't
be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and
milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the
mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their
refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or
soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when
their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't
have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat
them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before
dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child
abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all
about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just
couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat. For all
the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read
it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces
before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro
instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to
sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice
calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home
-- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches
assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from
the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to
reach them.

This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children,
and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds
dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers
of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs
in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now
pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at
the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch
your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the
very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib
at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby? Th e panic, years
later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the
door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from
wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car
accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young
mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...
And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

Tell them every day that we love them.

And pray.

Please pass along to all the Moms in your life.

"Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."

Please pass this to a wonderful mother you know.
(Source unknown, but nuch appreciated)

Displaying blog entries 191-200 of 221

Orly Steinberg
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ~ 130 Skyline Dr. ~ Ringwood NJ 07456
www.HomesByOrly.com ~ www.OnlyOrly.com ~ www.Blog.OnlyOrly.com
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