Scott's NJ Blog - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

Westfield Rainbows During COVID-19

March 27, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Last weekend, Governor Murphy declared a State of Emergency for New Jersey. In his Executive Order, he urged all residents to practice good hygiene practices (wash hands often and for 20 seconds at a time). He also asked that we practice social distancing to limit the potential for exposure to the deadly COVID-19. That means no gatherings of more than 10 people. Stay at home whenever possible. Leave the playdates for later. And stay at least six feet away from others when outside. To help kids (and parents) combat “cabin fever”, some neighborhoods have started putting up Westfield rainbows in their windows. Get your kids involved for free.

Spread some cheer and reduce stress while walking about (maintaining your six foot distance from others via social distancing, of course) by letting your kids color and put up Westfield rainbows on the windows of your home.

Westfield Rainbows During COVID-19

Social distancing doesn’t mean cloistering inside your Westfield home for the next several weeks. Yes, you must place a pause on gatherings involving anyone that doesn’t already reside in your house. But you can (and should) go outside for some fresh air. Exercise boosts your immune system and helps clear your mind. A nice bike ride or walk is still OK as long as you keep six feet away from other people.

While out on your walk, look for Westfield rainbows in the windows of your neighbors’ homes. This is their way of saying “we’re with you” and “stay strong”. Create a nice rainbow poster/picture of your own or download a rainbow template here to use instead. Color it. And put it up as soon as possible to let others know that “Everything’s going to be OK”. This may seem like a small or silly gesture to you but, in a time where we need to keep our social distances, it’s a virtual hug that might make a difference in someone else’s day. Stay safe, folks. For the latest info about COVID-19 in Westfield, visit the City’s Coronavirus Info Center here.

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

Curb Appeal Projects to Tackle While Practicing Social Distancing in Westfield

March 20, 2020 by Scott Gleason

As more and more people get tested for COVID-19, we see confirmed cases in Westfield and the greater New Jersey area increase. Many businesses have either closed down for now or allowed their employees to work from home to limit exposure to the Coronavirus. Schools started up online teaching this week. Restaurants remain open for take-out or delivery only. We are urged to practice social distancing. But that does not mean you must stay trapped inside your Westfield home at all times. Breathe in some clean air and tackle those curb appeal projects you’ve been putting off. That will really help if you plan on placing your property on the market in the next few months.

While the mayor urges Westfield residents to practice social distancing, update your curb appeal with these simple, low-cost projects.

Easy Curb Appeal Projects

Yardwork

PE time for the kiddos. Give them each a rake and garbage bag and tell them to start cleaning up the leaves. Get down on your hands and knees and pull out all of your weeds. Older kids can mow the lawn. Grab some mulch at your local gardening center and freshen up the flower beds. Add flowers to your window boxes. Potted plants in pretty containers create lovely focal points on your front porch.

Clear Off Your Sidewalks

Over time, shrubbery and the lawn might begin to creep up onto your sidewalks and along the driveway. Another easy curb appeal project to tackle would be to trim these back to keep the pathways clear. Make sure to trim any spaces between the concrete as well. If you see mossy growth, power wash it away.

Speaking of Power Washing

Does your exterior paint look a little worse for wear? If the paint’s in good shape, you might just need to power wash the grime away. Tackle the windows while you’re at it, too. But, if you see chipped or peeling paint, you’ll need to repaint it. Power washing will only make that worse.

Add Some Color

Finally, I talked about planting some flowers before. They help add a nice pop of color. But, you can also add color by painting your front door a vibrant red or some other interesting color. This adds curb appeal without spending a lot of money on a new door. As an added bonus, an attractive front entry invites buyers inside.

I understand that times feel a little crazy right now. But I know we’ll get through this if we all do our part to practice good hygiene and social distancing. If you are thinking about selling your Westfield home, contact me. There are still buyers out there looking for houses right now. I’m always here to help.

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

March 2020 Market Update

March 20, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Curious about your home’s value?

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

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Tax Deductions for Westfield Home Sellers

March 13, 2020 by Scott Gleason

We have about a month left before the 2020 tax filing deadline. Currently, that is Wednesday, April 15th. However, in a recent address to the nation, President Trump announced that he would be allowing an extension for some “individuals and businesses negatively impacted” by COVID-19. Specifics about who qualifies for an extension and how long that extension will be are still forthcoming. Meanwhile, anyone who sold their Westfield home last year may be entitled to certain tax deductions and exemptions.

If you sold your Westfield home last year, you could be entitled to a few tax deductions and an exemption when you file your taxes this year.

Westfield Home Seller Tax Deductions

Selling Costs

Any costs associated with the actual sale of your home (legal fees, escrow fees, commissions, etc.) can be deducted from your taxes. These should all be included in your closing statement. However, you need to have used that Westfield home as your primary residence for at least two of the past five years.

Home Improvements/Repairs

Did you need to paint, replace window screens, fix broken windows or do anything else to make your Westfield home more marketable? Those costs could be tax deductible. However, these improvements/repairs must have taken place no later than 90 days from close of escrow. Otherwise, they are not deductible.

Property Taxes

When you are a homeowner, you get to claim up any property taxes you paid as a deduction (up to $10,000). The same holds true for when you sell your house. Anything you paid up until the time of close may be deductible up to $10,000.

Mortgage Interest

Just like property taxes, any mortgage interest you pay before closing may be deducted. Before December 15, 2017, homeowners could claim all mortgage interest paid up to $1 million of mortgage debt. After that, a new tax code went into effect that put a cap at $750,000 of mortgage debt. So, if you purchased a home or refinanced after that debt, you must adhere to the new tax code rules. Both property taxes and mortgage interest deductions must be itemized in order to claim them. So, to make them worth your while, the total should be more than your standard deduction. To determine whether or not to itemize, discuss this with your tax advisor, attorney or preparer.

Capital Gains Tax

When you sell your Westfield home, you are subject to a capital gains tax on your net profit. However, the first $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married couples) of that profit is exempt from this tax. Again, you need to have utilized the property as your primary residence for at least two of the last five years to qualify for the entire exemption. If you sell it within two years of purchasing it, you might be entitled to a percentage of the total.

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

Westfield Used Linen Drive

March 6, 2020 by Scott Gleason

We consider Westfield to be an affluent community. But even here, approximately 2.66% live below the poverty line. While that’s significantly lower than the national average, some of our neighbors still need our help. This month, donate your old linens to the Westfield Used Linen Drive.

Drop off your used sheets (any size), blankets, towels, shower curtains, and bath mats at any of the participating locations during business hours by March 28th for the Westfield Used Linen Drive benefitting Furniture Assist and local animal shelters.

Westfield Used Linen Drive

I know it’s still winter, but do you plan on doing any spring cleaning soon? Start now and help those less fortunate in the community. Two local Westfield residents (Emily Root and Amy Flax) found out that Furniture Assist, a local non-profit that assists residents in need, often ran out of linens for the families they served. They just couldn’t seem to keep enough in stock for the demand. So, they took it upon themselves to talk to several Westfield businesses about joining in a linen drive. Now in its third year, the ladies’ used linen drive continues to collect these items for Furniture Assist to dispense where needed.

Between now and March 28th, they ask that anyone with extra items such as sheets, blankets, towels, shower curtains, bath mats, and crib sheets drop them off at any of the five different locations listed below as well a Furniture Assist itself (24 Commerce St, Springfield, NJ). Even if you have old, stained blankets and towels, take those in, too. They’ll be given to local no-kill animal shelters to make their stay more comfortable.

Drop-Off Locations

Feel free to drop off your used linen donations to any of the following locations during regular business hours:

Caldwell Banker (209 Central Ave)
Keller Williams (188 Elm St) – ask for Laura Brockway
Ron Banksy & Associates Allstate Insurance Agency (502 E Broad St)
Westfield Eco Laundry (341 S Ave E)
Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St)

And, of course, Furniture Assist accepts donations at their Springfield location from 12 pm to 2:30 pm any Sunday of the year. They also accept used furniture and other household items during that time. So, if you find yourself with extra pots, pans, dishes, chairs, tables or couches, take them to Furniture Assist for “re-homing”.

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

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

February 28, 2020 by Scott Gleason

Whether buying or selling a Westfield home, you need someone on your side who knows the local market. Navigating a real estate transaction can feel daunting sometimes. With your busy schedule, who has the time? Where do you start? To find the right real estate agent, keep the following tips in mind.

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Take Your Time

First of all, take your time. This will probably be the biggest transaction you are a part of in your life. Therefore, you need to find someone who knows the business. Do you know anyone who bought or sold a house recently? Ask them who they used and if they were satisfied with the experience. Would they use them again? Word of mouth provides some of the best recommendations possible. Make sure to get the agent’s name and contact info.

Interview Several Agents

Next, take that list of agents you compiled and set up interviews with each. Look for someone that you feel comfortable with. Some key questions to ask include:

How long have you worked in the Westfield real estate market?
How many homes do you currently have in escrow?
What was your hardest purchase/sale you were a part of? How did you resolve any issues?
How often can I contact you? Which method do you prefer? Text, cell, personal meeting?
Can I talk to some of your past clients?

Check Their License

Once you decide on which real estate agent you wish to hire, check that their license is current and valid. How? Visit the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance website. You need their name and license number to perform a search. It’s simple and it’s free. This is a step many homeowners skip. Unfortunately, that could have dire consequences. So, take a moment to perform this quick search for your peace of mind.

Talk to Past Clients

Finally, talk to recent clients of the agent you choose. Ask them how they felt about their experience with the agent. Was the agent available when needed? How were their communication skills? Would the client work with them again? Good reviews usually mean good news. Bad reviews mean “move along”.

When you’re ready to put your Westfield home on the market or want to search for your next property, contact me. I’d be happy to help you in any capacity necessary.

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

Skating for Smiles in Westfield

February 21, 2020 by Scott Gleason

According to the World Health Organization, cleft lips and palates occur in approximately one out of every 700 children born each year worldwide. The CDC reports 4440 babies born with one or both of these cranial abnormalities in the US each year. Many children retreat from the world to avoid the constant stares or bullying they receive from other kids. They become self-conscious and reserved. Why deprive them of sharing a beautiful smile with the world? Operation Smile can help. And so can you. Just come to the Skating for Smiles event in Westfield on Leap Day. Your donation helps bring a smile back to a deserving child and changes their lives for the better.

Help Operation Smile in their efforts to restore a beautiful smile to children's faces all over the world at the Skating for Smiles event in Westfield on February 29th at the Westfield Rink.

What: Skating for Smiles
Where: Westfield Rink (650 4th Ave)
When: Saturday, February 29th, 5:50 pm to 7:20 pm
Admission: $24 for skaters, free for non-skaters

Skating for Smiles in Westfield

Some local children hooked up with Operation Smile to put on a fun fundraiser right here in Westfield. They even managed to wrangle a meet and greet with former NJ Devils Captain Bryce Salvador. (We do love our hockey here in New Jersey.)

Your $24 ticket gets you 90 minutes of ice time, including skate rental. But, if you don’t want to skate, you can still come, watch the skaters, and visit with Bryce Salvador for free. For more information about the event and to sign up for a skate session, visit the Skating for Smiles donation page here. Even if you can’t make it to the event, please feel free to donate what you can. Help them reach their goal of $6000 by February 29th.

Operation Smile

Since 1982, Operation Smile has sent doctors all over the world to perform corrective surgery on children born with cleft lips and/or palates. They do this work absolutely free of charge. This includes going to some of the most impoverished areas of the world. Without the service these doctors provide, many families would never be able to afford to have this procedure done for their child. Please consider donating to this wonderful organization. Whether that is a one-time donation, becoming a monthly donor, creating your own fundraising event or volunteering your time, it’s all well worth your effort. Thank you.

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

February 2020 Market Update

February 18, 2020 by Scott Gleason

6 Ways Savvy Sellers Get the Most for Their Homes

Sex Sells—Changing the market proposition from an economic decision to an emotional decision benefits sellers. Looks and flow are the shiny objects in housing today, not square feet, generators, or block foundations. Pictures on the internet aren’t worth a thousand words anymore, they are a million times more powerful than text to bring buyers in the door.
Distinguish between spending and investing—As we prepare your home for market, there may be eminently affordable little investments you can make that pay back many-fold in your sale price. Other expenses are just that. They may make sense to you, without getting more traffic or higher prices (most driveway projects for example.) Consult a Realtor and their qualified stager.
Hire a listing agent for their track record, marketing & negotiating skills. Especially avoid auctioning the job off for the highest price opinion or lowest fees. These are generally inverse indicators of competence. If you really want to know your optimal market value, after award the job to your chosen professional, then review their exhaustive study. It won’t be polluted by the tendency to bid up, as when asking multiple agents for prices. Right priced homes net the seller more than sugary-priced homes every time!
Prepare completely before the big reveal–Think of your home’s entry in the market as a debutante. You only get to come down the stairs ONCE. If you are going to take the carpet off the oak floors (always advised and profitable) do it before the FIRST day on market. It’s sad and lonely to have to say “come back and see the new painting/flooring/staging” (that would have been more powerful and valuable the first time.)
“All the lights on, all the living creatures gone” is the motto of successful sellers for showings. Buyers need privacy to form a feeling of ownership about your house, instead of a need to perform for you, the owner. And there is no such thing as an innocent question from a buyer’s agent. If you can’t go away for the first weekend on the market, plan lots of movies, museums and dinners out.
Price to create a swarm–Swarms insist on paying full market value up to 10% over list price. Or if a buyer feels like they are the first visitors to the house in a long time, they pay as little as 88% of list. The seller to the swarm also exercises more control over the remainder of the transaction, since the buyer is humbled by knowing there were other offerors whom the seller can recall. Dare to price right—it’s the proven lucrative path!

Curious about your home’s value?

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

Westfield by Grade School:

Scott Gleason scott@luxuryhomesnj.com

RE/MAX SelectLuxury Homes for Sale in Westfield

Westfield Boat Safety Class

February 14, 2020 by Scott Gleason

With highs hitting the 30-degree mark this week, the idea of summer seems elusive. However, in just over a month, we celebrate the 1st day of spring. Temperatures begin to heat up. Soon thereafter, summer arrives. But before you hit the water this year, take a Westfield boat safety class. Make sure everyone operating a water vessel knows the rules before hitting the waterways this summer.

What: NJSP Boat Safety Certification Class
Where: Westfield Knights of Columbus (2400 North Ave)
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Cost: $80 pre-register, $85 walk-in
Contact: Boat Safe USA (609) 613-2339 or via email

Westfield Boat Safety Class

New Jersey law requires that anyone operating a powered water vessel (boat, Jet Ski, Waverunner, etc.) must obtain a New Jersey boat safety certificate. If that pertains to anyone in your household, sign up for an official NJSP Boat Safety Certification Class through Boat Safe USA. Knock it out in one full 8 1/2 hour day (includes lunch break and test-taking time). Or, if setting aside that much time at once sounds difficult, sign up for two 3 1/2 hour evening classes.

The last 90 minutes of the class will be reserved for test-taking. Upon its completion, all students aged 13 or older who pass the test receive an official NJSP safety certificate. This allows you to legally operate a boat or jet ski (must be at least 16 to operate a jet ski alone).

Class Registration

The next full-day Westfield Boat Safety Class takes place on Saturday, February 22nd. Receive a $5 discount if you register ahead of time. To do so, simply fill out the boat safety class registration form here. If you can’t make this class, you’ll need to wait until April 5th for the next full-day class. Boat USA offers these safety certification classes several times over the next few months. To see a full schedule, visit Boat Safe USA’s website.

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

Westfield Tasting Event to Celebrate the City’s 300th Anniversary

February 7, 2020 by Scott Gleason

As you’ve no doubt heard by now, Westfield celebrates its 300th anniversary this year. Several businesses and organizations in town plan on hosting various events throughout 2020. I know that I enjoy a good food and wine pairing myself. If you wish to experience a bit of history with your food, consider attending the Westfield Tasting Event at 16 Prospect Wine Bar.

What: Westfield Tasting Event
Where: 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro
When: Sunday, February 23rd, 2 pm to 4 pm
Admission: $40 per person (ages 21+ only)
Contact: Westfield Historical Society (908) 654-1794 or via email

Westfield Tasting Event

Our very own Westfield Historical Society partnered up with the Miller-Cory House Museum to host a colonial-inspired food and wine tasting event on February 23rd. Join WHS’s Meg Wastie for a virtual pub crawl through our city’s history. You get to visit various historical pubs without actually leaving your seat.

Before modern water treatment measures took effect, people looked to other methods to quench their thirst. Alcohol tended to offer the safest alternative. Colonial Americans believed alcohol helped cure all matter of ills as well. Wake up with a nip. Retire for the evening with a nip. And enjoy a few sips in between. They served alcohol at all kinds of social events: weddings, funerals, christenings, and even trials. So, whatever they have planned for this event must be tasted to be believed.

Tasting Event Tickets

With alcohol on the menu, only guests aged 21 or older may attend. Tickets cost $40 per person. Reservations must be received and paid for in full by February 15th. Limited seating means the sooner you reserve your spot, the better. Sign up today online on the Westfield Historical Society’s website here. If you prefer snail mail, send your check to WHS at PO Box 613, Westfield, NJ, 07091. Make checks payable to Westfield Historical Society.

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