Pascack Valley NJ Real Estate : January 2007

A Picture Is Worth A 1,000 Words In The Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey.  So we'd like to share the following Picture Shows with you.  Whether you are thinking of Buying a Home in the Pascack Valley and would like to see some features that each town has to offer;  Or maybe you are Thinking of Selling your Home in the Pascack Valley and would like to have a momento of one of the Pascack Valley towns.  Simply click on one of the following links and enjoy!

                                                                                   Hillsdale  

                                                                                   River Vale

                                                                                  Westwood                          

                                                                             Emerson

                                                                             Park Ridge

                                                                            Montvale

                                                                           Woodcliff Lake

                                                                           Washington Township   

For more Local Information or Listings for the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey, Call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802 or visit us on line at http://www.hammersteam.com/ . 

Your Full Time Full Service Real Estate Resource for the Pascack Valley!

Thinking of Selling Your Home In The Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey?  Find out from the Experts Why Now Is The Best Time To Sell!   There are currently 274 Actively Listed Single Family Homes in the Pascack Valley towns of Emerson, Westwood, River Vale, Washington Township, Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake & Hillsdale.  Bob and Lisa are a Full Time and Full Service Real Estate Team with the inside track on what it takes to get a home sold Fast for Top Dollar.  The following is a list of reasons why NOW is the Best Time to Sell!

• The Spring market has started to heat up and the Competition is Growing.
• The Buyers have been waiting for the Inventory to build. There is a pent up demand for new listings.
• The Winter Holidays are past and Spring Clean-up is in full swing.
• Interest Rates are still in the Low 6% range. 

For more Tips on Selling your Home, call Bob and Lisa at (201)218-6802 or visit us on line at http://www.hammersteam.com/.  We're your High Tech Realtor Team - "Wired for your Success"! 

Check out some of our Marketing here: Town Of Hillsdale, Town Of Westwood, Town Of River Vale .

As Realtors, it has been our experience that the Homeowners who keep Home Records can usually avoid snags in the Selling process.  The following is a List of Items should be kept with your "Home Record File" and put in a safe but easily accessible place.  Keep anything pertaining to the maintenance and repairs of your home in a File or Binder that is clearly marked "Home Records".  This will help you to remember where it is at all times.  We all know that memories fade with time but when you have kept a Record, guessing isn't necessary.  Items such as names of contractors, repairmen, dates and receipts can all add value to buyers of the Home Sale!

1. Heating System - Repairs & Mainenance Records for your Boiler or Furnaces should be marked with the repair or the maintenance completed as well as the date it was done and who did the work. 

2.Hot Water Heaters - Replacement of the Hot Water Heater should be marked with a date right on the Unit.  Additionally, the date as well as who did the work should be kept in your Home Records File.  Hot Water Heaters can sometimes sit in a Warehouse before they are purchased so the date could be the manufacterer's date.  Mark the date it was replaced with a permanent Marker right on the Unit.

3. Roof  - Any Warranty Information on the Roof along with the date, who did the work & the type of Roof (ie: 25 year, 30 year, etc.)

4. Siding - The date the work was done and by whom in addition to the product and color should be recorded. 

5. Windows & Doors - If a warranty was offered, the date will be important to record.

6. Electrical Panel - Many homes need higher amperage electrical panels to support today's technologies in the home.  If your panel has been updated, be sure to keep this important record in your Home Record File.  Labelling the Breaker for what each controls will be a great help to the new homeowners.

7. Gutters - New gutters or items such as gutter guards also sometimes come with warranties.

8. Fireplaces -  Keep the name of your Chimney Sweep along with the dates he cleaned your chimney as well as any mansonry work that was done.  Additionally liners and caps are items that should have records.

9. Plumbing - Anytime your plumber comes to do work on your plumbing - whether it is drain blockages, replacing pipes, etc. document it in the Home Record File.

 10 . Major Renovations - New Baths, Kitchens, Finished Basements, Dormers or

Adding Rooms.   Be certain to keep the Warranties along with dates and names of Contractors in your Home Record File.

11. Removal Of Underground Tanks - This includes Oil Tanks & Septic Tanks and could be an extremely important fact necessary for the completion of a trouble-free Sale. 

12. Landscaping - Most Buyers will appreciate the name of your landscaper to maintain or update the landscaping.  When you have a tree or bush replaced, record the date and name.

13. Pools - The type of pool, the age of it as well as the liner, heater or any other component of the pool should be recorded along with any warranties.

14. All Major Appliances - If you are leaving any major appliances such as Refrigerators, Washers & Dryers, the new owner will appreciate any and all information you can provide, even if you are leaving them in as-is condition.  This includes Owner's Manuals and warranty information. 

Homeownership is one of Life's Major Investments and Homeowners should think of keeping Records on their Homes in much the same way that you would keep records on any Investments.  This simple yet valuable exercise can assist in the completion of the Seller's Disclosure which is being used more often in today's Real Estate Transactions.  Although the Buyer's of a home will usually have the home inspected, these Home Records are a valuable tool in the process because nobody knows your home better than you.  In the event something becomes questionned, quite often the Home Records can become the answer to relieve the concerns of a Buyer and afford a "Hassle-free Transaction".

For more Tips on Homeownership, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802.  Your Real Estate Resource for the Pascack Valley in Bergen County, New Jersey.

Lisa & Robert Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Re/Max Real Estate Associates • (201)218-6802

• Address • 123 Broadway • Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 •

The current Real Estate market is still moving in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey.  With the Inventory at a slightly elevated level, up from last year's market, here are some Helpful Tips from the HammersTeam when Listing your "Home for Sale".   As a Full Time Real Estate Team,  Listing and Selling Homes in the Pascack Valley, our experience shows that there are some key issues that come up repeatedly that can help to facilitate the Sale of a Home.

1. Pricing Is Key - If you want to sell, be competitive!  Your agent will assist you with what the current inventory or competition looks like in your neighborhood.  Be realistic and put yourself in the Buyer's shoes.  If the Buyers  are looking at similar style homes in the same town, give them a reason to put your home on the top of their list!

2. Condition - Remember back to the first time you sold a "used" car?  Those same rules apply.  Make it sparkle!  Clean and uncluttered is key here.  If your agent makes recommendations, keep an open mind and don't be offended.  Remember you are paying for the advice of a professional that is there to help you get your home sold. 

3. Location - This is something that nothing can be done to cure so once again, be realistic.  Most Buyers will say they don't want to live on a main road.  However, for the right price, your home can stand out amongst the competition.

4. Availability - There is nothing worse than having a house for sale that nobody can gain access to.  Many Realtors will give up and move on to the next "more available" property if you make your home too difficult to be shown.  Selling a home comes with a certain amount of inconvenience that can't be helped.  Now is the time to go out of your way to make sure that your home can be seen.  Very few Buyers will be willing to judge the book by it's cover.  If you can't leave the home while it's being shown, perhaps you can step outside and wait for the agent to show your home.  This will allow the Buyers to feel comfortable speaking freely with their Agent. 

For more "Tips on Selling Your Home", call Bob and Lisa direct at (201)218-6802 or visit us online at our Full Service website at http://www.hammersteam.com/ . 

Spring? Is that you?  Brrrrrr...... Woke up this morning to a frosty coating of "SNOW" after a very unusually long and mild Holiday Season.  But Spring really has sprung in the Real Estate market of the Pascack Valley region of Bergen County, New Jersey.  The reports are in and the interest rates are still "REALLY LOW" so now is the season to BUY!  The inventory in the Pascack Valley is good so don't wait until the competition gets wind of it - get out there and see what this great area has to offer!  Here's a brief snapshot of the amount of homes available.  You're sure to find a wonderful home to suit your needs!

EMERSON -  39 Actiive Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $409,900 through $1,369,900

WESTWOOD - 49 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $369,000 through $1,000,000

HILLSDALE - 35 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $363,600 through $1,277,000

RIVER VALE - 55 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $419,000 through $1,489,000

WASHINGTON TWP - 29 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $429,900 through $1,389,000

WOODCLIFF LAKE - 30 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $367,900 through $2,599,000

PARK RIDGE - 16 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $449,900 through $1,375,900

MONTVALE - 29 Active Residential Home Listings Ranging in Price $399,000 through $1,900,000

What are you waiting for?!  These historically low interest rates won't last forever!  Now is the best time to own a home in the "Popular Pascack Valley" area of Bergen County, New Jersey.

For more Local Information and Listings in the Pascack Valley, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802 or visit us online at http://www.hammersteam.com/ - "Your Real Estate Resource"!

The Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey has been a popular place to live for as long as Bob and Lisa can remember.  Having both been raised in the Pascack Valley - Lisa in River Vale and Bob in Hillsdale, we understand the reasons for it's popularity.  But for those who are not as familiar with the area, here are some reasons why we think that so many want to call it "Home Sweet Home"!

• Quaint Downtown Areas Offer the individual towns of Pascack Valley, that Small Town "Local" atmosphere.  An area rich in History best describes the Popular Pascack Valley.                                             

• Top Notch School Systems Private and Public -  Grammer as well as High Schools offer students highly rated quality education.   Click on the link here to compare your schools of choice.                                                                                         

• Community Organizations Provide activity involvement for every segment of the community.  Organizations such as the Sundial Garden Club in Hillsdale, of which Bob's Mother was a member (seen here in this photo from 1972), offer something for everyone to participate.

• Recreation The Pascack Valley area provides Parks, Golf Courses, Ball Fields, Tennis Courts, Gyms, Swim Clubs and every possible form of activity to include all ages.  If Theatre and the Arts are your pleasure, New York City is under an hour's trip by car.  Locally, Summer Concerts in the town parks and Gazebos can be found in towns such as River Vale, Hillsdale and Westwood.  Residents are sure to find local events throughout the year in all of the Pascack Valley towns.

• Transportation The Pascack Valley Train line and local Bus Service is a Commuter's dream and provides the area with an excellent link to New York City or wherever you need to go!   

• NJ Transit Train Schedule
• NJ Transit Bus Schedules
• Shopping From soup to nuts, the avid Shoppers are sure to find whatever they are searching for.  Bergen County is also known for it's major Shopping Malls, easily accessed from any of the Pascack Valley towns.

• Restaurants The Pascack Valley offers many cafes, restaurants and a variety of eateries to appeal to all of your taste cravings. 
• Libraries Most of the Pascack Valley towns offer their residents free public Libraries.  Many have recently been renovated!

• Employment Opportunities A multitude of jobs can be found locally and in the surrounding areas of Bergen County.
• Healthcare Some of the very finest skilled Physicians, medical facilities and Hospitals have made the Pascack Valley and surrounding areas their home to offer the most advanced healthcare services available. 

For Local Information and Listings in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802 or visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com - "Your Real Estate Resource"!

Get In Touch With Your Roots!  It's a well known fact that the population as a whole is living longer today.  Baby Boomers such as Bob had fathers who served in World War II.  My parents were the generation that followed close behind Bob's parents.  Many of us so-called "Baby Boomers" have parents that lived through the Depression Era and post Depression Era.  You'll probably find that this generation are great Story Tellers with a wealth of knowledge to share.  This opens up opportunites for many of us to get in touch with our "Roots"!  If you're like me and are fortunate enough to still have your Mother with you, I would urge you to listen to the stories of your elders.  You'll probably be amazed how much you didn't know about yourself and your own Roots!   

For instance, just this morning I was chatting with my Mom on the phone.  Something sparked her to launch into one of the many stories that I'm sure I've heard before but today it resonated for some reason.  She was telling me about how my Grandmother was from a family that was, as she put it, "comfortable".  It seems my Great-Grandfather was a Composer of music and a Mariachi Player.  When the Mexican Revolution came and their money was no longer any good, they were forced to flee Mexico and come to America.  Now of course this is only one quarter of my story as I had two parents who also had two parents.

I also had three grandparents who were from Italy. My Mother tells a story of how both of my grandfathers met coming to America on the boat from Italy. Talk about coincidences!

Bob's Great Grandfather on the other hand was a Builder in the town of Hillsdale and his Mother was born and raised in Sweden on the border of Finland.  Sadly, both of our Fathers are no longer with us and so their stories are gone with the exception of what our Mothers can tell us and what we can remember.

As Baby Boomers we are at that point in our lives where we are fortunate enough to be Bridging the gap.  We both have Mothers that are still living and a daughter who is a member of the popular Gen-Y group or better known as the "Echo-Boomers".  These terms are losely used to describe the differences in the time periods (sometimes overlapping) in which we were all born.

But if we don't capture as many of the stories as we can now and pass them on to our children, they will be lost forever.   So the next time you have the opportunity to hear the stories your parents or grandparents have to share with you, take a moment, and lend an ear.  They will probably enjoy the company and you will be enriched by the stories they tell that will help you to "Get In Touch With Your Roots"!

For more local information about the Pascack Valley area of Bergen

County, New Jersey call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802.

Your Local Real Estate Resource!

__________________________________________________________________

Lisa & Robert Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Coldwell Banker • (201)218-6802

• Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •

The other day, my husband, Bob, came to me with a concern he had about something he had noticed on our Boiler.  Now my husband is not what I would refer to as a "Handy Homeowner".  But it occurred to me that he is what I would refer to as a "Good Homeowner".  He is constantly keeping an eye on things in the house and watching what is going on with all the major components.  Just before Christmas, he happened to look under the Kitchen Sink only to notice a small leak.  In record time he called in our Plumber and found that he had indeed averted a possible Christmas Catastrophy!  So as Realtors that are also Homeowners we would like to share our following list of the key components that made it to "Bob's List" of things to do!

1.  Hot Water Heaters - There may be differences in opinion on the life expectancy of a HWH but if you ever have one leak into your Basement you'll have wished that you took note of this.

2.  Furnace/Boilers -  You'll find it's well worth the time to learn which type you have and how you can maintain it properly.  We have a Gas Boiler and Bob keeps an eye on the temperature & oils the circulator twice a year. 

3.  Plumbing - Something as simple as keeping an eye on the pipes in the Basment to make sure there are no leaks that may be lurking could save you from experiencing a Basement Flood.  If your drains are slow, calling in a plumber to find out if the drains need snaking can avoid a future problem.

4.  Roof - Step outside and stand back to take inventory of how your Roof looks.  Are there areas with moss build-up or signs of mold? 

5.  Gutters - Bob cleans our Gutters a minimum of twice a year.  We've attended many inspections where the Inspector has made recommendations to simply keep the Gutters clean to avoid water build-up in and around the Foundation of the home.  Diverting rain water away from your home is crucial.

6.  Attics/Crawlspaces - These spaces can be overlooked because most people don't have cause to visit those areas often.  But at least twice a year, take a peek in those dark spaces where animals and bugs might be lurking.

7.  Basement - If your home has one, finished or not, keep an eye on it.  Like Attics, you may not visit your Basment often but if you have one, chances are there are some Major items to keep an eye on down there.

8. Windows & Doors - Are they keeping the drafts out?  Do they need fresh caulking? 

9.  Trees & Landscaping - It's not just for fun!  Make sure that trees are not growing too close to your home or your neighbor's home.  Don't allow your landscaping to go without attention for too long or bad things could happen.  Termites live in the ground and love certain types of Mulch.  Keep the landscaping trimmed and leaves cleaned up around the house.

10. Fireplaces - For Woodburning varieties, it's important for the safety of your home to have your chimney cleaned and checked annually.  Creosote can build up in your chimney and ignite, causing a Chimney Fire.  The mortar on the outside Chimney should be observed from time to time as well as this can deteriorate.

11. Electrical - Do all of your outlets and switches work?  Are there any wires that need the attention of an electrician?

12. Appliances - Clothesdryers should have their lint traps cleaned after every use.  Most people aren't aware how important it is to turn your water off (after each use) that is hooked up to your Washing Machine.  Many are just a rubber hose and this item can be so worn over time that it explodes and empties gallons of water into your Basement!

13. Smoke & C.O. Detectors - If you have Battery operated types, changing the battery at Day Light Saings Time is a good way to remind you to take care of this important and simple task.

14. Porches & Stoops - You may have a Wood type that should be maintained by painting or just keeping clean.  Your Brick stoop has mortar that should be visually inspected for wear and water seepage.

When a Home is Listed for Sale, the Buyers will most likely hire their own Home Inspector to check on all of the key components of the home.  However, if you are a Seller thinking of Selling a Home, it might be prudent to hire a Home Inspector to avoid possible problems in the transaction.  Not all Home Inspectors will have the same opinion of course but being a "Good Homeowner" and taking the extra measure of being aware, may just be the ticket to a "smooth transaction".  Even if you are not thinking of buying or selling, keep your Family safe & happy, like Bob does - it doesn't take much effort.  Just ask yourself are you a "Good Homeowner"?

For more information on homes in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey call Bob & Lisa at

(201)218-6802.  Or visit us at www.HammersTeam.com - your Real Estate Resource!

The town of Hillsdale in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey completed the renovations to the Public Library this year.  The Library is located at 509 Hillsdale Avenue on the corner of Yesler Way.  For information and calendar of events call (201)358-5072. 

A new bank got their approval to build at the corner of Piermont Avenue and Broadway where Durie Motors stood for many years.  Despite the concern of residents, the construction of the bank promises to be an asset to the community. 

The Council is slated to vote on zoning for Age-restricted housing to bring valuable tax revenues into the town.

Hillsdale has a very active 50+ Club which meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 11:30 to 2pm at the United Methodist Church on Hilldale Avenue.  A variety of trips are scheduled throughout the year.  Monthly luncheons are held at St John's Parish Center.  Reservations must be made four days in advance.  For more information call Marie Hanlon at (201)664-7428.

The Hillsdale Walking Club meets every Saturday at 9am at Woodale County Park in Woodclliff Lake.  For details contact Ed Charney at (201)664-8565.

A transportation service is available to Seniors to Doctor's Appointments, hair appointments and local shopping.  Call the Borough at (201)666-4800, ext.3 and leave a detailed message with name, address and telephone number as well as destination.  Call backs will not be made except if there is a conflict.  The Borough may cancel in inclement weather or Holidays. 

The Sundial Club meets ten times per year on Mondays at 7pm at the Meadowbrook School on Piermont Avenue.  Programs include expert speakers as well as workshops.  The club's aim is geared towards the beautification of home grounds, gardens in the community and State.  For information call (201)664-2991.

For more Local Information about the town of Hillsdale, NJ in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County contact Lisa & Bob direct at (201)218-6802.  Or visit us online by going to http://www.hammersteam.com/.  Your Real Estate Resource!

Click here to see a short Real Estate Show about Hillsdale!

If you are a Realtor thinking about bringing your spouse into the Real Estate business, there are some things you may be wondering.  The following are our Tips.  For this Husband and Wife Realtor Team, it's all about being together and doing what we love that led to our Success - selling Real Estate! 

First and foremost, you must know yourselves.  Will you be driving each other crazy if you are together too much?  Bob and I are from such similar backgrounds that our connection is strong.

• So the first discussion should be about where you both want your Office  to be.  Some people prefer working from their Home while others want a definite separation between Home & Office.
• Next you shoud decide who does what.  Most people will know what they like doing best. 

What works for us is that we each have our own tasks that we prefer taking the lead on.  Bob is the Technical Support Expert in the Team.  He keeps us up and running, making sure all the Computers are updated and working!  Additionally Bob takes care of the Customer Contacts from our Websites.  Lisa on the other hand enjoys keeping the Paperwork in order.  Customer Files, Contracts and writing the checks to pay the bills.  Lisa also likes doing the Negotiating.

• An important decision will be how you will work with Customers.  When you make an appointment to Show a home, will you go together?   Will you meet Sellers together for Listing Appointments?
• Who will take care of the Budget?  It probably works best if both of you Discuss these decisions as they are a major part of your Business.
• Automobiles is one more important aspect of your Business since as Realtors, we spend alot of time in our cars. 
• Marketing and Prospecting may be something that needs to be worked out as well.  There are Mailings, Advertising Budgets and Methods of Developing New Business that are important.
• There should be someone that stays in touch with Continuing Education, Updates to Industry Rules, Regulations & Laws.

But one of the most important aspects of being a successful Husband and Wife Team is as in any Family Run Business, you must find time for yourselves.  It's so easy to get comfortable working from home.  We are in a profession that is much like that of a Doctor - we're always on Call!  It's so crucial to keep yourselves on the right track to remembering to Take Care of Each Other!  So congratulations to all of the many Husband and Wife Teams that have found a way to enjoy working together successfully for the sake of the Public and each other ........

Visit Bob and Lisa at http://www.hammersteam.com/ for all your Real Estate needs in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey.

Or call us at (201)218-6802.