Scott's NJ Blog - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Westfield Food Waste Recycling Program is Back

May 7, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Things are starting to (somewhat) return to normal again. Kids went back to school. Businesses and restaurants opened back up, albeit with some restrictions in place. Last week, Quimby Street activities started up again. Now, the Westfield Food Waste Recycling Program is back.

Westfield Food Waste Recycling Program

The City partnered up with Green Bucket Compost to create a food waste recycling program here in Westfield back in 2019. Unfortunately, they suspended the program last year during the global pandemic. With so many people cooking for themselves over the past 12+ months, household food waste went up. Westfield residents began asking to bring back the recycling program. The City listened. And now it is back. So, instead of dumping it down your garbage disposal or put out to the curbside, it gets recycled into cleaner-burning bio-fuel to use in place of the more toxic petroleum-based fuel.

All you need to do to participate is to throw your household food waste into a reusable bin/bucket. Then, take it to the recycling center (1300 Lamberts Mill Rd) between 9 am and 2:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays or 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. No permit required. Empty your containers of food waste into the covered bins provided. If those bins are full, you may leave your waste in your own container next to the bins. However, your containers cannot be made of glass or black plastic bags. Green Bucket picks the waste up and takes it to the Elizabeth NJ’s Waste Management facilities. After initial processing, the waste then makes its way to the Rahway Valley Sewage Authority. Once there, it gets turned into bio-fuel.

Acceptable Food Waste

Coffee Grounds
Dairy
Egg Shells
Fruits
Grains
Meat
Oils and Fats (limited amounts)
Potato Peels
Seafood (no shells)
Vegetables

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

May 2021 Market Update

May 4, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Fanw o od

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Quimby Street Activities Start Up Again in Downtown Westfield

April 30, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Last summer, City officials tried something new. They restricted vehicular traffic on Quimby Street to just one way on the weekends. They hoped to encourage more people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air in a safe manner. Then, they lifted the vehicular restrictions during the winter months. But, starting today (April 30th), Quimby Street activities are back.

Quimby Street Activities

COVID-19 made many businesses rethink how to make their customers feel safe while also keeping their doors open. City officials understood the pressure our local businesses felt. To help make things a little easier, they created the Quimby Street pedestrian plaza. Thankfully, Quimby Street activities start back up today for the public to enjoy.

Expanded Outdoor Dining

As of the writing of this post, indoor dining is still limited. However, your favorite restaurants still offer a “to go” option. If you want that “date night” experience without worrying about finding seating inside, several tents have been set up on Quimby Street. Bring your take-out to one of the tables set up under the tents and enjoy your meal. The tents sit just outside The Brick Oven, Fiamma Pizza, and Spice Bazaar. With limited seating here, you might need to make a reservation for one of the tables at one of these restaurants.

Live Musical Entertainment

Enjoy live music from talented local artists every Friday and Saturday throughout the season. If you make it downtown on a Tuesday evening during July or August, you will be treated to the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival. Musicians perform live every Tuesday throughout July and August on three separate stages. These stages are located on Central Ave, in Foundation Park, and right here on Quimby Street. The entertainment is free but the memories are priceless.

Fitness Fun on Quimby

Other Quimby Street activities encourage a healthier lifestyle as the weather warms up. Register for a yoga or barre class held right out on the street every Saturday and Sunday. You must pre-register to participate in the class.

Midday Madness Clue Hunt

Finally, the Midday Madness Clue Hunt takes place on the first weekend Quimby Street opens up (Saturday, May 1st). If you want to participate, visit their website to purchase your tickets right now. This is fun that the whole family can enjoy together.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021

April 23, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Who likes to eat? In the past year, so many more people discovered the joys of cooking at home. But if you need a break from creating a delicious meal for your family, try a food truck. And, if you want to help out high school students, visit Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School on Sunday, May 2nd for the Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021.

What: Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021
Where: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (667 Westfield Rd)
When: Sunday, May 2nd from 12 pm to 5 pm
Admission: $10/person, $25/family

Scotch Plains Food Truck Festival 2021

Money raised from the food truck festival helps fund the Class of 2021’s senior activities. Several local food truck owners already signed up to participate in the festival. They include:

Bites & Bowls (Mexican fusion)
Cheezen (next level grilled cheese)
Empanada Guy
GoodMood Truck (hamburgers & fries)
House of Cupcakes
La Coqueta (tacos, burritos)
Ms. Yummy Food Truck (Asian fusion)
Violante’s Catering (cheesteaks, sausage & peppers)

Here, you will find something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds. Plus, dessert! (Thank you House of Cupcakes.) Each of the food trucks is set up to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Anyone who plans on coming to the food truck festival must wear a mask. The high school marching band joins the Moonglowers and other local musicians to provide musical entertainment throughout the day.

Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Earth Day? Visit the South Ave Train Station tomorrow (April 24th) for the Westfield Earth Day Fair. In addition to fun activities and great eco-friendly information, you will want to peruse the free market to recycle/reuse gently used items from your neighbors. If you have items you wish to donate to the free market, schedule a time to drop them off here.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021: Celebrating Sustainability

April 16, 2021 by Scott Gleason

The very first Earth Day celebration took place in Wisconsin back in April of 1970. The goal was to bring awareness to the environment and the part we play in affecting it. The City of Westfield encourages its residents to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle with their Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021.

What: Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021
Where: Parking Lot of the South Ave Train Station
When: Saturday, April 24th, 9:30 am to 3 pm
Contact: City of Westfield (908) 789-4040

Westfield Earth Day Fair 2021

The Westfield Green Team put together some very important information they wish to share at the fair. Learn about the “how’s”, “what’s” and “why’s” of recycling. (You might be surprised at what you thought was recyclable but really is not.) Find out how to identify the spotted lanternfly (an invasive pest that kills off our local flora) and how to stop it. Receive important information on bicycle safety. Hear all about the City’s free biowaste program. Several organizations and vendors will be on-site as well providing information and products to help you reduce your carbon footprint. Also, sign up for the Green Team’s newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest information about eco-friendly lifestyles.

Free Market

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. When you clean out your closets this weekend, set aside your gently used clothing, cookware, utensils, sporting goods, books, videos, toys, etc. Then, bring them with you to the Earth Day Fair. Everything you donate goes to the free market. Visitors to the fair then go through all of the items dropped off to see if they could use any of them for themselves. Think of it as a big garage sale but where everything is free of charge. Anything left over at the end of the day will then be taken and distributed to families in need in the Westfield area. Just make sure you schedule your time to drop your donations off. Otherwise, you might not be able to do so.

Everyone must adhere to social distancing guidelines. You must also wear your mask while at the South Ave Train Station. Hand sanitizing stations will be set up all around the area.

Midday Madness Clue Hunt

Don’t forget. The Midday Madness Clue Hunt returns to Downtown Westfield on Saturday, May 1st. Tickets are still available for this fun, family-friendly day of puzzle solving.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Midday Madness Clue Hunt Returns to Downtown Westfield

April 9, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Do you like Sherlock Holmes novels? Is Agatha Christie one of your favorite writers? Do you love a good mystery? Then you will be happy to hear that the Midday Madness Clue Hunt is returning to Downtown Westfield next month.

The Midday Madness Clue Hunt returns to Downtown Westfield on Saturday, May 1st. Families are encouraged to participate for fun and prizes.

What: Midday Madness Clue Hunt 2021
Where: 100 Quimby St
When: 1 pm to 4 pm on Saturday, May 1st
Admission: $11 per adult, $7 per child ages 11 and under
Contact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444 or via email

Midday Madness Clue Hunt 2021

Put your sleuthing hat on, grab your COVID pod, and head down to Quimby St on Saturday, May 1st to solve clues and win prizes. Organizers encourage you to come up with a fun team name and a costume to go with it. Let everyone know which team you belong to by wearing the same color or, better yet, create a crazy costume that sets you apart from all the other clue-hunters in the field. The crazier the costume, the better.

Once you arrive at the tents on Quimby St, you will receive a link that takes you to your list of clues. Each clue leads you to a specific location around downtown Westfield. Your team must visit the location that the clue indicates, take a selfie, and then move on to the next clue on the list. Once you solve the final clue and take your final selfie, come back to the tents at 100 Quimby St. Teams that finish with the best score are entered into a drawing for prizes.

Tickets for the Hunt

Adults pay $11 each to participate in the hunt for clues in downtown Westfield. Children cost just $7 each. Visit Midday Madness’ website here to purchase your tickets today.

Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive

Just a reminder, the Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive takes place next Wednesday (April 14th). Please keep that in mind when you go through your closets performing your spring cleaning tasks this weekend. They accept clothing, accessories (belts, hats, handbags, etc.), linens, curtains, small toys, and stuffed animals. The hours for drop-off run from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm at 422 E Broad St. Thank you.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

April 2021 Market Update

April 4, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

Please click below for the market update of interest to you:

Fanw o od

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive 2021

April 2, 2021 by Scott Gleason

I have been involved with the Westfield Area Y Men’s Club for years now. Thanksgiving marks the start of our annual Christmas tree lot. (Thank you for selling us our well ahead of Christmas last year, by the way.) Our local YMCA offers so much to the community. Next week, they need your help to provide assistance to those less fortunate all over the world. They are asking you to donate to their Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive.

Bring any of your slightly used clothing, handbags, shoes, linens, and bedding to the Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive this Wed, April 14th.

What: Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive 2021
Where: Westfield Area Y (422 E Broad St)
When: Wednesday, April 14th, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Contact: Eileen Rooney, Westfield YMCA (908) 301-9622 ext 134 or via email

Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive 2021

Spring has sprung. For many, that means that it is time to clean out your closets. If you plan on channeling your inner Marie Kondo by getting rid of anything that does not spark “feelings of joy” in your Westfield household, consider bringing it all to Westfield YMCA’s clothing drive. It takes place on Wednesday, April 14th.

Drop off your slightly used clothing (for all ages) and accessories (hats, belts, handbags) between 7:30 am and 2:30 pm. They also accept used bedding, curtains, and towels. Plus, if your children outgrew their stuffed animals and toys, feel free to drop those off as well. The toys cannot exceed two feet in size. Unfortunately, they will not be accepting household items like pots, pans, electronics, furniture, appliances, or books at this event. To donate those, contact our local Salvation Army or Goodwill stores. Our local library and even our schools accept book donations, too.

Where Does It All Go?

The American Used Clothing Corp picks up all donations and distributes them to second-hand stores all over the world. Proceeds from the Westfield Area Y Clothing Drive help fund the Westfield Y’s financial assistance program. The Y’s membership fees work on a sliding scale. This allows all members of our society access to everything the Y has to offer our community.

Clear your closets and help others at the same time. Please donate what you can to the Y’s clothing drive. Thank you.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

How to Get Your Home Offer Accepted

March 26, 2021 by Scott Gleason

Many real estate markets across the country are in the midst of a seller’s market. Westfield is no exception. Recently, Ryan Hartman with Inside Real Estate interviewed RE/MAX Select’s very own Rob Lyszczarz about how to get your home offer accepted in a crowded seller’s market.

How to Get Your Home Offer Accepted

Understand Your Market

Many people are leaving the City to settle in the suburbs like Westfield. (We did make the Top 10 List of Best Suburbs to Live in NJ.) Historically low interest rates helped spur buyer demand. Unfortunately, the supply of available housing cannot keep up with demand. In turn, that means multiple offers for many homes. Thus, we are deeply entrenched in a seller’s market. If you want your home offer accepted, you need to understand how your local market currently operates.

Get Specific With Your Wants

Every buyer envisions exactly what their dream home should look like. But, throw out your laundry list of “wants”. Narrow that down to three to five “must-haves”. Think about the size (square footage as well as the number of beds/baths), location, school district (if you have kids), etc. If you know what you absolutely cannot live without ahead of time, it will save you time, hassle, and heartbreak in the long run. Also, be willing to compromise on some things in order to make your homeownership dream a reality.

Many Westfield buyers find themselves in a multi-bidder situation when purchasing a property. Find out how to get your home offer accepted.

Get Pre-Approved

Always, always get pre-approved as soon as possible. This lowers your stress as well as increases your offer’s attractiveness to the seller. In fact, Rob suggests that you get two pre-approval letters instead of just one. Why? When putting less money down, sellers may believe you are less qualified. Two letters show the seller that they should take your home offer seriously. That means obtaining pre-approval from your lender for a conventional as well as FHA loan for example.

Create a Negotiation Strategy

Discuss negotiation strategy with your REALTOR®. Make sure you present a realistic home offer to the seller. Everyone likes to get a deal. But, if you lowball the seller, you could very well lose out in a multi-bidder situation.

Restrict Conditions & Contingencies

Tighten up time frames for things like inspections and financing. Sellers want to sell their homes as quickly as possible. So, the easier you make it, the more attractive your home offer looks. Waive contingencies whenever possible. Otherwise, limit them to the bare minimum (inspection, appraisal, financing). Think about increasing your earnest money deposit. Be flexible with the closing date. Defer to the seller’s timeframe.

Hire the Right Agent

Finally, having the right agent on your side makes all the difference in your outcome. Find someone with experience in the market. They must have good negotiation skills. Make sure they are willing to reach out to the seller’s agent to gather intel that will help boost your offer to the top of the pile. You also want someone who advocates for you. Make sure that they will communicate with you as much as you want in the way you want.

I highly recommend that you take an hour out of your day to listen to what Rob has to say. It can only help you when you go to look for a new Westfield home. Then, contact me to start your search.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes

Avoid Losing Your Earnest Money Deposit When Buying a Westfield Home

March 19, 2021 by Scott Gleason

When you enter escrow on a Westfield property, you must provide an earnest money deposit. Typically, this is about 1-2% of the purchase price. This money sits in an escrow account until your final closing. At that time, it becomes part of your down payment. Why provide an earnest money deposit? Because it shows how serious you are about buying the property. In exchange, the seller agrees not to entertain any other offers while the property is in escrow. However, buyers may still lose their deposit by making these easily avoidable mistakes.

If you are not careful when you purchase a Westfield home, you might end up losing your earnest money deposit which will cost you thousands of dollars.

How to Avoid Losing Your Earnest Money Deposit

Contingencies

Yes, the fewer contingencies you ask for in your sales contract, the more attractive your offer looks to a seller. In fact, sellers love to see no contingencies. But things like a financing contingency and a home inspection contingency protect you, the buyer, in case your financing falls through or something major comes up on the home inspection. With these contingencies in place, you receive your entire earnest money deposit back if you walk away from the sale.

Pay Attention to Time Deadlines

Your sales contract stipulates a specific timeframe to perform tasks necessary to complete the sale. These include securing your financing, getting an appraisal, and performing a home inspection. In your sales contact, look for the phrase “time is of the essence”. That means that, if you miss your close for any reason whatsoever, you will receive a notice to perform. Make sure you meet your deadlines or you run the risk of losing the sale and your earnest money deposit.

Do Not Succumb to Cold Feet

Finally, you feel nervous that you may have overspent. Or you decide you are not quite ready to pull the trigger on a new Westfield home. You decide to back out. If you do not have any contingencies in place, the seller keeps your earnest money deposit if you decide to terminate the sale. Before you decide to submit your offer, make sure that this really is the house you want to make a home.

Any of these situations may cancel your home sale and allow the seller to keep your earnest money. Contact me when you decide to look for your next Westfield home. I will help you with all aspects of the home buying process.

Scott Gleason, CRS at RE/MAX Select, Luxury Homes