Re-capturing the American Dream With Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 2:52 pm, June 30th, 2008

In the past, owning a home has always been perceived as a major component of the “American Dream.”  Unfortunately, because of the recent real estate market activity, home-ownership is often seen now as more of a nightmare than a dream.  But that doesn’t have to be the case!  Even in a slower economy, purchasing Bergen County NJ real estate can still be a step toward achieving your own “American Dream!” 

Inman News offers some reasons why home ownership still has benefits and advantages, including:
•  The opportunity to build equity and create wealth over time.
•  Protection from rent increases or eviction at the whim of a landlord.
•  The pleasures of a relatively larger home, suitable for a family, and with a backyard, garage or other auxiliary space.
•  The freedom — design review boards notwithstanding — to improve, remodel or redecorate to suit one’s own style and budget.
•  A variety of lucrative income-tax breaks.
•  Pride of ownership and a greater sense of security and stability.

So, if you are thinking of purchasing Bergen County NJ real estate, now is the time!  Don’t let the negative media attention on the market get you down – home ownership is still an attainable goal and a big part of the American Dream.

If you are ready to begin looking at Bergen County NJ real estate, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: Market Trends May 2008

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 12:38 am, June 27th, 2008

A modest gain in the level of home sales is possible over the next couple months, and an improvement is forecast for the second half of this year as more buyers are able to access affordable mortgages, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.
 
The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.3 percent to 88.2 from a reading of 83.0 in March. It’s the highest index since last October, but remains 13.1 percent lower than April 2007 when it stood at 101.5.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said pending sales contracts have picked up notably in areas undergoing significant price drops. “Bargain hunters have entered the market en masse, especially in areas that have experienced double-digit price declines, but it’s unclear if they are investors or owner-occupants,” he said.
Let’s take a look at the real estate sales statistics for May 2008 to see how the market is looking locally:

Residential sales in Bergen County dropped by 28 percent in May compared to May 2007. The average market time remained the same, while the average sale price decreased 10 percent to $603,783. The SP to LP ratio decreased by 2.01%.

 Bergen
County

 Sold
Listings

 Average
Sales Price

 SP/LP

 Days On
Market

 May 2008

 390

 $603,783

 90.360%

93

 May 2007

 539

 $668,279

 92.372%

93

Sales in the Pascack Valley dropped 2 percent this May compared to May 2007. Usually a drop in sales causes market times to increase, however, market times decreased by 29 percent or 28 days. Selling prices decreased 17 percent to $569,907 and SP/LP ratios decreased .49 percent.

 Pascack
Valley

 Sold
Listings

 Average
Sales Price

 SP/LP

 Days On
Market

 May 2008

43

 $569,907

 93.186%

70

 May 2007

 44

 $687,902

 93.674%

98

Northern Valley selling prices decreased dramatically, down 29 percent compared to May 2007. this could be due to an unusually high sale last month. Market times decreased 7 percent, while the SP/LP ratio dropped .48 percent and the number of homes sold dropped 32 percent.

 Northern
Valley

 Sold
Listings

 Average
Sales Price

 SP/LP

 Days On
Market

 May 2008

 13

 $644,577

91.340%

71

 May 2007

 19

 $909,026

 91.817%

76

With moderatiing prices, Now is a GREAT time to be buying a home in Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Northern Valley.

To learn more about Bergen County NJ real estate, please contact me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com. To begin searching for Bergen County homes, please use our complimentary MLS search.

Getting The Price Right On Bergen County NJ Real Estate

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 12:35 am, June 24th, 2008

“Location, Location, Location.”  We hear it all the time in the real estate world and many assume that location is the most important criteria to buyers when purchasing a new home.  But what is it really that determines why one property sells more quickly than another?

Price.   Having the right price was the most important factor in deciding on one home over another, according to 2/3 of the respondents of a recent poll conducted by the National Association of Realtors.

Sellers agreed on the importance of the right price.  “Getting the price right” was and is one of the most frequently cited challenges for sellers who are not represented by a Realtor®.

Other factors that were included in the poll were – no surprise – location, but also condition of the property, staging, and upgrades.

If you are interested in learning about Bergen County NJ real estate prices, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com.  You may also begin searching the MLS!

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: Upper Saddle River Sold By Paula Clark

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 5:11 pm, June 23rd, 2008

12 Garden Court, Upper Saddle River Sold By Paula Clark

Elegant privacy describes this gracious stone and stucco manor located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Set on 2.8 acres, it is all aobut the view in the rear yard. Each room overlooks the 1 acre pond, surrounded with an acre of woods. The first floor Master Suite has patio access and is set in its own wing.

12 garden courtAll the  amenities and gracious features are incorporated in this custom built beauty. Hand crafted moldings, stone, tile, and hardwood accent the floors and walls. Salerno cabinets adorn both the Kitchen and the individualized Baths.

Upper Saddle River was incorporated in 1894 when it was basically a farming community consisting of Apple Orchards, Strawberry Fields, and Dairy Farms. As Upper Saddle River celebrated its 100th birthday, many things have changed. However, the quiet beauty of this lovely community remains as much a treasure to the current residents as it had been for the generations which have preceded them. Upper Saddle River is the perfect combination of quiet, small town living with easy access to New York City.

For more information on Upper Saddle River and Bergen County NJ real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor. Search all Bergen County NJ real estate homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: 242 Kociemba Sold

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 4:51 pm, June 20th, 2008

Paula Clark…DID it again!! SOLD Bergen County NJ real estate in quaint River Vale.

242 kociemba242 Kociemba Drive was on the market for only 21 days and sold for $795,000…99% of the list price.

This home is an exquisite colonial on a beautiful, quiet cul-de-sac of similar style homes. It had been updated and meticulously cared for…and it sparkled down to the smallest detail!

Are you selling a Bergen County home and looking for results like this? Contact me at 201-930-3070. Find out what your Bergen County home is worth.

river vale graph

Some of the many features of River Vale is the education it offers students, the small town atmosphere, where everyone know your name, along with it’s proximity to New York city offering easy commuting.

If you are interested in buying River Vale or Bergen County NJ real estate, visit my website, PaulaClarkRealtor.com or give me a call at 201-930-3070.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate Sales May Rise Modestly Before Marked Increase in Late 2008

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 6:59 pm, June 19th, 2008

A modest gain in the level of Bergen County NJ real estate sales is possible over the next couple months, and an improvement is forecast for the second half of this year as more buyers are able to access affordable mortgages, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.3 percent to 88.2 from a reading of 83.0 in March. It’s the highest index since last October, but remains 13.1 percent lower than April 2007 when it stood at 101.5.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said pending sales contracts have picked up notably in areas undergoing significant price drops. “Bargain hunters have entered the market en masse, especially in areas that have experienced double-digit price declines, but it’s unclear if they are investors or owner-occupants,” he said.

This is a great time to consider buying Bergen County NJ real estate.  To learn more about the current Bergen County NJ real estate market, please call me at 201-930-3070 or visit PaulaClarkRealtor.com.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: 439 Jackson Terrace For Sale

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 3:56 pm, June 17th, 2008

Bergen County NJ Real Estate For Sale
439 Jackson Terrace, Ridgewood NJ 07450

439 jackson terrace

Traditional elegance at it’s best! You’ll love the charm of this gem. Dramatic entrance with great curb appeal. White picket fence in a Norman Rockwell setting. Custom and updated expanded Colonial with old world charm. Newly renovated and expanded with superior finishing details and premium quality construction. Impeccable design, detail, and quality in this beautifully appointed home.

Rich wood floors and plush carpeting throughout. Formal dining room with custom molding and large, beautiful windows. Huge master suite with master bath, double vanity…specially designed. Family room with fireplace and walk out to two-tiered deck. Superb landscaping! Newer in-ground pool with additional landscaping.

This home is simply stunning! Ridgewood is well renowned for its blue ribbon schools, sense of community and excellent, shops, boutiques and restaurants.

For more information on 439 Jackson Terrace or other Ridgewood and Bergen County NJ real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate For Sale

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 3:42 pm, June 17th, 2008

Bergen County NJ Real Estate For Sale:
13 Orangeburgh Road, Old Tappan, NJ 07675

13 orangeburgh

Set back amidst this professionally landscaped yard with two-tiered deck, and private backyard. Great for entertaining! Kitchen is clean as a whistle with oak cabinets, open floor-plan, vaulted ceiling and skylight. Large dining room. Family room with cathedral ceiling, skylight and stone fireplace. French doors out to deck and extra large windows.

This home is sunny all day. Very bright. Faces east. Master bedroom with beautiful full bath and skylight…very neutral in color and double closets. Full finished basement and laundry room. Large fenced yard with shed. Flat property with oversized 2 car garage and huge driveway.

Old Tappan is well renowned for it’s award winning schools and charming setting. Accessible transportation to New York.

For more information on 13 Orangeburgh Rd or other Old Tappan and Bergen County NJ real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: 442 River Road For Sale

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 2:52 pm, June 17th, 2008

Bergen County NJ Real Estate For Sale 
442 River Road #442E , Nutley NJ 07110

442 river road

Sparkling updated unit in Nutley NJ, with state of the art kitchen which features top of the line granite countertops, glass mosaic tile backsplash, and beautiful tile floor. All new appliances. Updated bath with beautiful vanity and matching mirror. large bedroom with lots of closet space. Deck off living room. Unit faces south for plenty of sunshine.

Can you believe?…pool, heat, water, parking and common area maintenance for as little as $215 a month. Be in the city in just 30-40 minutes!

For more information on 442 River Road #442E  or other Nutley and Bergen County NJ real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate homes for sale.

Bergen County NJ Real Estate: 1266 Teaneck Road For Sale

Posted by PAULA CLARK @ 8:15 pm, June 16th, 2008

Bergen County NJ Real Estate:
1266 Teaneck Road 5A, Teaneck NJ 07666
1266 teaneck

Great starter condo in Teaneck NJ! Why rent when you can own? Low maintenance and low taxes. Hardwood flooring throughout. Larger unit than other 1 bedroom units in the building.

Close to all transportation and busses to the city are practically at your front door. Close to all shopping and amenities.
For more information on 1266 Teaneck Road or other Teaneck and Bergen County NJ real estate, visit PaulaClarkRealtor.

Search all Bergen County NJ real estate homes for sale.