Pascack Valley NJ Real Estate : March 2007

What is Driving The Real Estate Market?  That's the million dollar question.  Ask a dozen Real Estate Agents and you will most likely get a different opinion from each one.  The answer we seek is not easily defined. 

There are numerous factors that drive The Real Estate Market and some of those may be any of the following:

• The Media reports are all gloom & doom so it must be their fault!
• The Interest Rates are historically low, low, low
• The Inventory is historically high, high, high with 288 homes actively listed in the Pascack Valley
• The Economy is strong so there's money to be spent
• The Unemployment Rate has remained very low so there are jobs for everyone
• The Stock Market - well, that's always Up & Down!
• Realtors are either very slow or extraordinarily busy
• The Weather is either too cold or too hot - sounds like a fairytale

The answer to the million dollar question?  What's driving The Real Estate Market?  It's no mystery the consumer drives the market, people will always need a place to live.  Although these factors are important to consider, they should not be the deciding factor for home ownership.  If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, the time is now!  The Real Estate Market is always moving and with our professional guidance we can help you navigate through all of these factors.

If you are thinking of Buying or Selling a home in The Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802,  Your Real Estate Resource.

We are often asked how we manage to work together and remain married.  We are a Full Time Husband & Wife Team selling Real Estate in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey.  We have a long history together having grown up in the area and that helps.  We're each other's best friends.  But Buying and Selling Real Estate is a serious business.  Since laughing smoothes out the rough spots of life,  we laugh alot and often.  Mostly it's at each other.

This morning I read a Blog here on Active Rain by Teresa Boardman that made me laugh out loud.  It talked about the dilemma of socks getting lost in the laundry.  My husband, Bob sat across the room from me and peered over his computer to ask what I was laughing about.  I told him that something I read had just reminded me of the time we had attended a Broker Open House at a Million Dollar home.  Bob loves to eat at the Broker Open Houses, so he went into the Kitchen to grab a bite and greet the other agents.  After viewing the home, as we walked down the front path, I noticed that Bob had put his shirt on inside out and neither of us had seen it but surely the others had!  We could only imagine what those agents must have thought of us!

Then there was the time that Bob went running out to show a house wearing his indoor/outdoor slippers.  Thankfully, it was a cold winter day so it occurred to him that his feet were cold.  He drove a few miles before he looked down to see he had his slippers on.  Of course he came rushing home to change into his shoes.

But I'm certainly no better.  As I am writing this, Bob reminds me of the time that I tripped on a sidewalk and skinned my knee so badly that the agent holding the Broker Open House we were attending had to give me first aid for my skinned knee. 

Keeping our sense of humor is important to us because we love to laugh and have fun at work while we help people realize their Real Estate dreams!  This Husband & Wife Realtor® Team are committed to helping others in their quest to find the same happiness as we have found in the Bergen County area.

If you're Buying or Selling a home in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey, call Bob & Lisa direct at (201)218-6802 or visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com.  We'll keep you laughing!!!!   

Part 2 in our Series of Pascack Valley, New Jersey Restaurants re-visits the town of Emerson.  Part I of our Seriesvisited The Emerson Hotel and bid farewell to Fricke's Old Hook Inn.  Now we'd like to share more of the convenient Eatery Stops this Pascack Valley town of Emerson has to offer.

Arthur's Tavern at 214 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson, New Jerseyis a great place to sit and relax after a long day.  They are known for their Steaks but the menu is sure to please every pallet.  A cozy atmosphere complimented by good eats conveniently located on Kinderkamack Road in Emerson, New Jersey.

If Pizza is your Family's pleasure tonight, check out Rosa's Family Restaurant & Pizzeria.  Located at 207 Kinderkamack Road in Emerson, New Jersey.   

Continue traveling North on Kinderkamack Road and you will find yourself at the corner of Kinderkamack & Linwood Avenues to find two more Emerson Eateries.

You'll think you were in Heaven at Hot Dog Heaven!  They're located at 176 Kinderkamack Road, Emerson, New Jersey.  They're not just Hot Dogs either.  Check them out for a bite to eat!

Across the street, you'll find Boston Market at 175 Kinderkamack Road, Emerson, New Jerseyfor those who love poultry.  They also offer other tasty selections.

The choices are endless for those seeking to dine out tonight in Emerson, New Jersey.   For more local information on the Pascack Valley area in Bergen County, New Jersey, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802 or visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com.  Your Real Estate Resource!

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

• Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •

Now that's the Million Dollar Question!  What is Driving The Real Estate Market?  You can ask a dozen Real Estate Agents and you will most likely get a different Opinion from each one.  Some of those answers may be any of the following:

• The Media reports are all gloom & doom so it must be their fault
• The Interest Rates are Historically low, low, low
• The Inventory is Historically high, high, high
• The Economy is Strong so there's money to be spent
• The Unemployment Rate has remained very Low so there are Jobs for everyone
• The Stock Market - well, that's always Up & Down!
• Realtors are either very Slow or extraordinarily Busy
• The Weather is either Too Cold or Too Hot - Sounds Like a Fairytale

The fact of the matter is that it's always a combination of all of these factors.  We don't live in a vault and everything that goes on in the World affects the state of The Real Estate Market. 

It's no mystery.  People will always need a place to live.  So if you are thinking of Buying or Selling a Home, the Time is Now!  The Real Estate Market is always Moving.

The answer to The Million Dollar Question?  What's Driving The Real Estate Market?  When do you need to move?

If you are thinking of Buying or Selling a Home in The Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802.  We're your Real Estate Resource!

The Pascack Valley area in Bergen County, New Jersey has many great Restaurants to enjoy.  We would like to begin a series of Blogs that will hopefully capture the essence of this special Suburban area.  The town of Emerson in the Pascack Valley area features more than these two eateries but we'd like to begin by welcoming one Restaurant that is under new management and by saying farewell to an old favorite soon to close it's doors.

The Emerson Hotel is located across from the Emerson Train Stationon Kinderkamack Road in Emerson.  Currently under New Management, the relaxed atmosphere is enhanced by the charming Victorian structure.  The Restaurant/Lounge offers an affordable menu with Live Entertainment most Fridays and Saturdays.  Happy Hour is weekdays 4-6 pm and Weekday Lunch Specials are served from 11:30-3:30 pm.  A 10% Discount off all Lunch entrees for Seniors is available.  The Emerson Hotel is also prepared to Cater all Occasions!

Next in our series is a famous Pascack Vally Landmark called Fricke's Old Hook Inn located on Old Hook Road near the Westwood border.  This popular Restaurant/Lounge has been around for as long as this Realtor© couple can recall.  Known as the Home of the Happy Lobster, April 1, 2007 will close it's doors.  One gets the sense that they took a step back in time when entering this pub-style atmosphere.  If you've never been, this week is the week to get there before they close their doors for good!

For more Local Information about the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey, call Bob & Lisa at (201)218-6802or visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com.

Your Real Estate Resource for the Pascack Valley!

Is it a Buyer's Market?  Read these Signs and then you decide.  Here are Some Signs Of A Buyer's Market that may lead one to believe that Sellers should be taking note!

• Increased inventory
• Homes remaining on the market for extended periods of time - longer than six months
• Homes being Withdrawn and then Re-Listed 
• Numerous Price Reductions
• Increase In "For Sale By Owner" Lisitngs
• Numerous Foreclosures
• Low Interest Rates

If you are a Buyer in today's Real Estate market, now is an extremely opportunistic time to Buy a Home.  Interest Rates are still very low and continue to hover in the 6 % range.  If you are renting, you are not building any equity for your future.  So why not Buy now while the signs are still in your favor?

If you are a Seller in today's Real Estate market, you may be wondering if it's better to wait until the market swings back around to showing Signs Of A Seller's Market again.  However, if you have been in your home for 5-10 years, you will most likely be able to still make a profit on your current home and buy your next home while it's a Buyer's Market!   With the increase in Inventory, you will have ample homes to chose from and with the Low Interest Rates, you will be able to make the most of your purchase.  The current trend won't last forever, so take advantage of the Signs!

For Homes For Sale 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!

The residential community of Washington Township is an upscale town in the Pascack Valley which has maintained it's family atmosphere.  The town has undergone recent updates to keep up with the ever changing times.  The Township's Public Library got a new face along with the conveniently located Town Shopping Center on Pascack Road.  Residents are sure to meet their basic needs with a major Grocery Store as well as Family Movie Theatre and several other Specialty Stores. 

Picturesque Schlegel Lake in the center of the township can be enjoyed by members as well as residents taking a stroll down the street surrounding the Lake.

When school is in session, children of the township join Westwood children to attend the Jr./Sr. High School while each town attends their own Grammer schools.  One of the Parochial Schools in the County can be found at the Immaculate Heart Academy Girl's High School in the Township. 

In the Summertime, families can enjoy the Washington Township Recreation Club, 8 private Tennis Courts, a YM/YWHA as well as a Racquet Ball Club.

The quiet town is surrounded by major highways such as Rt. 17,4 and Garden State Parkway.  Public Transportation is readily available by the NJ Transit Buses as well as Rockland Coach.

Several Clubs and Organizations offer activities providing involvement for everyone in the Community.

The Township offers five Condominium complexes, a new luxury Senior Citizen Condo Development being constructed and beautiful homes on tree lined streets.

Take a tour of Washington Township and stroll through to experience it's beauty by clicking on the link below.

For more information about the Towns of Pascack Valley, NJ in the Bergen County visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com or call Bob & Lisa direct at (201)218-6802.  Your Bergen County Real Estate Resosurce!

The upscale community of Woodcliff Lake, NJ is clearly one of the Pascack Valley's more prestigious treasures.

Many well known Corporations have made Woodcliff Lake their home.  Names such as Ingersoll Rand, BMW, Hilton Hotel, Perillo Tours  as well as Sony and KPMG to name a few. 

The borough offers two large recreational facilities.  A County Park named Wood Dale occupies 55 acres and has a large pond which doubles as an Ice Skating Rink in the coldest Winter months.   There are also walking paths, children's playground and  tennis courts. The Old Mill Complex, a local Park, contains a large swimming area. 

There are lighted tennis courts and full size athletic fields for a variety of sports throughout the town.  Public Transportation for NYC bound commuters is a delight from the Woodcliff Lake Train Station. There are lighted tennis courts and full size athletic fields for a variety of sports throughout the town.   Buses are available throughout Woodcliff Lake also for the busy Commuter. 

The Woodcliff Lake Public School System is Top Notch offering children from K-5 elemantary at the Dorchester School, Middle School students move to the Woodcliff Middle School for 6-8 and then grades 9-12 move to Pascack Hills High School.

Buyers can expect to find homes in Woodcliff Lake  for both First Time Homebuyers on up to Million Dollar Estates and chic Gated Townhomes. 

Take a tour of Woodcliff Lake and stroll through to experience it's beauty by clicking on the link below.

For more information about the Towns of Pascack Valley, NJ in the Bergen County visit us online at www.HammersTeam.com or call Bob & Lisa direct at (201)218-6802.  Your Bergen County Real Estate Resosurce!

Scenic Montvale, New Jersey in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County is a site for those who seek peaceful beauty.  Bordering New York State, the picturesque town of Montvale is another member of the Pascack Valley area offering quiet vistas throughout the Borough.  This unique residential community is a blend of Corporate as well as residential areas.  The Pascack Valley Train Line as well as the NJ Transit Bus System offers transportation to the NYC bound Commuters.  The town of Montvale is rich in history and offers homes of beauty in both the first time homebuyer price range as well as upscale new construction homes.  Traditional & cozy Antique Tudor Style Colonial Homes from the turn of the century are sprinkled throughout the town. 

The Montvale Swim Club offers the residents an excellent outdoor Pool Facility on a membership fee basis.   Parks such as Huff's Park, seen here, are an example of the beauty that defines this most scenic town.   The highly rated Montvale School System is Top Notch offering students a K through HighSchool program with an Elementary(K-4), Middle (5-8) and High School.  High School students attend classes with the students from the town of neighboring Woodcliff Lake.  Take a tour of Montvale and stroll through to experience it's beauty by clicking on the link below.

For more information about the Towns of Pascack Valley, NJ in the Bergen County visit us online by going to www.HammersTeam.com  or call Bob & Lisa direct at (201)218-6802.  Your Bergen County Real Estate Resosurce!

The Pascack Valley "Hub" is Westwood, New Jersey in Bergen County and when you look at this little Suburban Town Center, it's clear to see why so many are drawn to the charm that is "Westwood".   At the center of the Bergen County area of the Northeast corner of New Jersy, you will find the quintessential Family town of Westwood.  This quaint town is one of the towns that comprises the area named "The Pascack Valley".  Westwood, named the "Hub" because of it's location at the center of the County, people coming here from other areas will find a town rich in history and drenched in atmosphere.  Just ten miles North-Northwest of the George Washington Bridge, the Pascack Valley Train line has been a draw for commuters coming to enjoy the tranquillity of suburban life.  The streets of the town are lined with quaint specialty shops and eateries making for a thriving downtown business district.  All is centered around the Train Station and the Park Gazebo where summer concerts and movies can be enjoyed by the public. Around the Holiday Season in December, the town and it's merchants go all out on decking the halls, making for a Norman Rockwell-like setting to behold.

On the opposite side of town from the Gazebo where the "Five Corners" of the town center meet stands a small Memorial Park dedicated to the Volunteer Firemen of the town.    Students from K-12 attend the Westwood Regional School district serving both the town of Washington Township as well as Westwood.  There are four K-4 elementary schools and two schools for 5th and 6th graders while grades 7-12 attend the Westwood Regional High School with their mascot named the Westwood Cardinals.    The Pascack Brook County Park in Westwood is a wonderful place for families to relax, take a leisurely stroll or feed the ducks.  The Fountain in the Brook makes for a scenic display.  Many come to the town of Westwood for it's old world Colonials with Lemonade front porches and Victorian homes. 

There are so many reasons why families flock to the cozy town of Westwood in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County, New Jersey.   Take a tour with us and see for yourself!  Simply click on the button below.

Call Lisa & Bob for more in depth Pascack Valley history and local information on the town of Westwood, New Jersey.