A Guide to Morris County Real Estate & More
Jackie Scura’s
Fall/Winter 2015
homes Jackie’s Fall Market Report
Keep Your Home Flu-Free
The Top 10 New Home Products
6 Totally Jersey Fall Traditions
Host a Cozy Fall Party! Tips & Recipes
Spotlight Property
$879,900 Boonton Township The buy of the century! Over
5,000 sq. ft of luxury. Updated showplace featuring gorgeous oak floors throughout. Dramatic double door to Foyer. Living Room with stained wood trim, picture window, French doors to Family Room. Formal Dining Room with chair rail, crown molding, picture window. A true gourmet’s Kitchen featuring stainless appliances, Thermador range & double oven, granite counters, wood cabinets, breakfast bar, Butler’s Pantry & Area. Sun Room with beamed pine ceiling & sliders to deck. 2 Story Family Room featuring floor-toceiling stone FP. Great Room with built-in wet bar. Back stairway to MBR. 2 Half Baths & Laundry on 1st floor. Master Suite with Sitting & dressing areas & Jacuzzi Master Bath with separate lavatory, double vanity, stall shower. 2nd floor Media Room wired for surround. Huge wrap-around deck. New front steps & walkway. 2.73 acres. Central Vac & Intercom.
• 4 Bedrooms
• Wrap-around Deck
• 2.2 Baths
• Year Built: 1989
• 3 Car Att. Garage
• 2.73 Acres
• Brick, Stucco & Aluminum Siding
• Taxes: $20,338 • Basement Office
Jackie’s Mailbox Q&A Get Your Questions Answered by the Local Expert!
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My asphalt driveway is cracking and needs help. I don’t know if I should fill the cracks, patch the cracks, sealcoat or resurface! How do I know what kind of treatment it needs? There are so many options. First, check out the size of the cracks. If they’re under 1/4” that means they’re not a real structural issue so it’s fine to use a liquid filler. Larger cracks or cracks that are over a couple inches deep indicate a deeper problem that will continue to undermine the driveway. You can patch the cracks and that will temporarily shore it up, but it will need more help down the line because the driveway is becoming brittle. Sealcoating is more of a preventative measure. The binders that hold pavement together break down in sun and with exposure to rock salt. Sealcoats hold it all together for longer by protecting the asphalt from drying out and losing its flexibility - which is what causes cracks in the first place. You can sealcoat after repairing cracks for additional longevity and also a more uniform look color-wise. Just make sure not to use sealcoat too often. If you reseal more than every 3-4 years you’ll create a surface that gets way too slippery in the rain. Resurfacing is a great option on a really damaged drive that’s still nice and level. The upper layer simply gets replaced and it saves a lot of money over the cost of a full replacement.
Turkey vultures have started to roost in the tree right over my driveway. I don’t hate animals, but they’re pooping on my car and it’s not just normal bird poop. It’s incredibly disgusting. How do I get rid of them? You’re not alone with this problem! In 2013 one Bridgewater, NJ neighborhood had such a bad vulture problem (with over 100 hanging around!) that the state stepped in. They hung a dead vulture “effigy” in order to frighten them off. Fortunately, you won’t have to go that far to fix your problem. The first thing to know is that vultures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This means that you’re not allowed to harm them or attempt to trap and relocate them. (Which would be dangerous anyway since they’re huge.) The good news, though, is that you’re allowed to harass them into not enjoying your tree anymore. There are a few ways to make your tree less inviting. One is to wait until dusk when they start to roost for the night and frighten them with loud sounds or hard jets of water. You can yell or clap or even buy recorded distress calls of blackbirds and starlings to startle them. If they have favorite branches that are easily accessible, you can also tack on spiky strips called bird spikes that will prevent them from landing comfortably. The bad news is that they may just move next door, but if you keep up a dusk routine of being a bad host they probably won’t come back to your yard.
Q. A.
I have ivy growing on the side of my home and I love it, but my neighbor said that it can damage my house. Do I need to get rid of it? My siding is a mix of brick and wood clapboard.
Unfortunately, ivy really is an enemy to almost any kind of home. It can damage mortar between older bricks, weaken wood and separate seams in siding. As it grows, it puts out little grasping tendrils that clamp tightly to surfaces and it will try to work its way into any gaps it finds. If you have a newer brick exterior, the mortar is probably secure enough for the ivy not to do major damage, but you’ll want to keep it trimmed back near any wood, including window & door frames, or else it will damage the surface and leave the wood vulnerable to rot. If you’re just looking for some extra greenery, explore the alternatives. You could try a less destructive vine like sweet smelling, evergreen Trumpet Honeysuckle or consider installing a trellis and some climbing roses.
Let’s keep in touch! I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned from my 29 Years of working in Real Estate! Never hesitate to ask for advice.
973.335.4600 | www.JackieScura.com | JackieScura@aol.com
Spotlight Property
$850,000 Boonton Township Your own private retreat set into beautiful rocky hillside on one side & forest on the other. Escape without losing any conveniences! Welcoming stone & cedar entry. Foyer with cathedral ceiling, sliders to private deck. Open floorplan Living Room/Dining Room/Kitchen with soaring beamed ceiling & floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the Dining Area. Living Room with rustic stone fireplace & 2 sets of sliders to the deck. Gourmet Kitchen featuring Viking Pro appliances, granite, wine fridge & rack, chic stainless backsplash. MBR with sliders to deck, WIC & Master Bath featuring chandelier, jetted tub, dual vessel sink vanity. Hall Bath with stall shower. LL Family Room featuring wood stove, Kitchenette with fridge & sink, door to Patio. Full Bath with stall shower. 2 Bedrooms with plush carpet. Large partially covered deck & covered Patio with ceiling fans, stunning views of the landscape dotted with gardens. Paradise!
• 5 Bedrooms • 3 Baths
• Deck, covered Patio & private side Patio
• 2 Car Att. Garage
• Year Built: 1982
• Wood, stone & brick Exterior
• Taxes: $11,985
• 2.6 Acres
J ac k i e S c u r a’ s Fall 2015 Real Estate Report
Buying is More Affordable Than Ever! After all the drama of the great recession and then the credit crunch that followed, lenders and the government are reevaluating the strict standards put in place to stabilize the market. Now that the market has stabilized, everything is changing! One of the biggest changes in 2015 was the FHA’s stance on mortgage insurance premiums. FHA loans are among the easiest to secure for lower income buyers or buyers with less than perfect credit, but they’re also subject to strict standards. The FHA formerly required insurance equal to 1.35% of a loan’s value as security against defaults. According to the White House, this added expense was keeping “too many creditworthy families who can afford - and want to purchase” homes out of the market. With that percentage reduced to .85%, The White House estimates that 250,000 new buyers will now be able to afford homes and that new homeowners will save an average of $900 a year on their FHA loans. Additionally, existing FHA backed loans can be refinanced for the same savings! Another excellent sign for buyers is that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have reduced their required down payments to just 3% for certain buyers with solid credit scores. Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Advantage program is available to all eligible buyers of single family primary residences, but will require home ownership education and counseling for first time buyers. All buyers must also secure private mortgage insurance. Fannie Mae’s program is available to new buyers or buyers who haven’t owned a primary home for at least 3 years. There are no counseling requirements, but private mortgage insurance is mandatory. Both of these programs offer an opportunity that would have been unthinkable a few years back, but which makes solid sense now that loan defaults are down to prerecession levels. Fannie and Freddie are back on solid financial ground and ready to help move our real estate market into the new, healthy & normal phase of lending. Which leads to who will be benefitting from this available credit…
The New Buyers
The programs and changes above are aligning to make buying easier for multiple emerging markets of potential homeowners. This is the time when we’re finally going to see an upsurge in new, non-renting, households, including two major groups: Millenials: One of the biggest questions about real estate over the past few years is when Millenials (born between 1980 and the mid-late 90s) will finally be ready to become homeowners. I think that the time is finally here. My younger buyers are seeing the strength of the market and the high cost of rentals as a sign that it’s time to invest in their futures - especially now that so many of them are marrying and starting families. All along, this age group has been saying that homeownership is a part of their dream, but it’s been financially out of sight. With unemployment decreasing and careers solidifying, Millenials are going to become a major force in driving the real estate market forward for many years to come. Both lenders and builders are targeting this group by creating cost effective options for first time buyers. “Boomerang Buyers”: The other major group we’ll be seeing at Open Houses is “Boomerang Buyers”. Potential homeowners typically recover from foreclosure in 3-7 years, which means we’re right at the beginning of welcoming back a large pool of people who lost their homes to foreclosure or short sales during the recession. According to RealtyTrac, it’s estimated that more than
500,000 boomerang buyers will emerge this year, with 1,000,000 more entering the market next year and so on until 2022 when a total of 7.7 million will have become eligible to buy again.
Want to talk with Jackie about Current Market Conditions?
Call 973.335.4600 eMail JackieScura@aol.com
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Spotlight Property
$698,000 Denville Vacation where you live with this 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Cedar Lake Colonial! Enc of cul-de-sac location near beach & boats, town & highways. HW floors, large windows & open flow throughout 1st Floor. Master Suite with dressing area, WIC, Jacuzzi Bath. 3 Room Basement w/Kitchenette, walk-out to yard. In-Law/Au Pair possibilities.
Spotlight Property
$699,900 Denville 4 BR, 2.1 Bath traditional Farmhouse w/luxury remodels throughout. 1.9 Acre paradise w/koi pond,
waterfall, BBQ area & fruit trees. Wide plank pine floors. LR w/fireplace. Formal DR w/pass-through to Kitchen w/prograde appliances. Breakfast Room surrounded by windows. Rustic Family Room w/fireplace, paneling & built-ins.
Spotlight New Construction
Just Two Lots Left at Fairway View Estates in Denville!
Grand Newport Model • Complete December 2015 • 5 BRs, 4.1 Baths • $1,649,999 Amherst Model • To Be Built • 5 BRs, 4.1 Baths • $1,499,900
Distinguishing a Palmar Construction home from the rest is easy. Simply look for a home with all the highest quality materials, the finest craftsmanship and none of the standard amenities you expect from your new construction home held back as "extras." This award winning company is known for its commitment to craftsmanship. Fairway View Estates is a perfect example of what they have to offer as builders. Each home in the community is well-appointed with amenities such as large center island Kitchens with cherry cabinets, state of the art stainless appliances, large Master Suites with Sitting Rooms, custom trim packages, oak floors with herringbone and walnut inlays, 2 story Family Rooms, expertly laid tile work, sweeping circular stairs with oak railings and iron spindles and 3 Car Garages. The large, level lots surround 5 serene cul-de-sac streets and the community offers convenient access to the beautiful Rockaway River Country Club. What more could any Golfing enthusiast want?
Call Michael Markowitz for Information • C: (973) 769-1062 • O: (973) 335-4600
There is a hero inside of you waiting to come out. One that desperately wants you to succeed! No matter an individual’s age, fitness history, or level of injury, Heroes Journey has a path to fitness.
Bring in this Ad for 3 Free Classes!
The Heroes Journey Individual Design Program puts you on the path to your fittest self. A coach does an individualized lifestyle consultation assessment and writes a movement program specific to your own needs. Once you're in group class, your coach will adapt workouts to compensate for any injuries or weak spots you need to work on.
Jackie Says…
Have a bum lower back or think you’re too old for CrossFit? Try our CrossFit Lite classes and work out with a specialized coach who'll teach you to move around your limiting aches and pains. The Heroes Journey CrossFit program is designed to help your body do whatever is demanded of it - especially outside of the gym. Whether it’s playing golf on the weekends, gardening, or lifting and carrying your kids or grandkids. The goal is to improve your life through fitness.
At Heroes Journey, the story of your fittest self begins by removing your mental blocks. Join our uplifting, positive community and see just how fit you can become!
"Everyone told me I couldn’t do it, but I love Crossfit. You’ll never know how much you can do if you don’t try!"
5 Eastmans Road Parsippany, NJ 07054
Info@HeroesJourney.com HeroesJourney.com 862.245.2381
Buyer Ready! Home Loans
A DIVISION OF PEOPLES BANK
Our Buyer Ready program is designed to give home buyers an early start on the mortgage loan process. Credit approval is secured, which includes review of the credit report, assets, and income documentation, while you shop for your new home!
Benefits of a Buyer Ready Approval
• Security and confidence when making an offer. • Strengthening your position when negotiating with the seller. • Allows for full loan approval, in most cases, within the due diligence period (inspection and appraisals of the property) on the real estate contract. As a Guest of Peoples Home Loans, you have the confidence of having an approval in your hand when you make an offer which makes for a much smoother transaction. It’s a Win-Win all the way! For more information or to enroll, please contact me directly. I look forward to earning your business!
Jackie Scura’s Seal of Approval
bankingunusual.com
Steven Testa
VP Regional Sales Manager NMLS #460176 51 Gibraltar Drive Suite 3A Morris Plains, NJ 07950 973.615.9745 stesta@bankingunusual.com
Member FDIC
130 Old Denville Road in Boonton Township, NJ | Call Us At 973-334-6528
A Farm for All Seasons!
hOME-gROWN cHRYSANTHEMUMS oRNAMENTAL CABBAGE hAYRIDES pUMPKINS & Gourds fALL hARVEST dECORATIONS cHRISTMAS tREES cUSTOM wREATHS pOINSETTIAS ROPING & GRAVE bLANKETS
hAYRIDES to Our U-Pick Pumpkin Field through 10/31
Jackie Says...
“There's nothing better than stopping by the local farm for the freshest food! Shop here for for the most delicious farm to table Thanksgiving feast ever!”
On site baked goods such as pies, breads, muffins, and apple cider donuts ny sTATE aPPLES & cIDER Local honey and mAPLE sYRUP Byrne Dairy hormone free milk in glass bottles fARM FRESH FREE-RANGE EGGS Now Taking Orders For
FREE RANGE THANKSGIVING TURKEYS & fRESH bAKED pIES!
Visit us on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest!
and at HamiltonFarms.com!
October & December: Monday - Saturday 9 to 6, Sundays til 5 November: 9 to 5 Every Day
Host a Cozy
Fall Party Your Guests will Love! @ Find a Great Fall Theme 2
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a simple, hearty feast! Partying German-style is festive for guests and host alike because it doesn’t need to be fussy and complicated. Grilling an assortment of wursts, baking big soft pretzels and stocking up on delicious Fall beers is as easy as it gets! Don’t forget the spicy mustard! A Harvest Party is a great way to serve up seasonal bounty. If you love to cook, then this is your chance to shine with fresh Fall ingredients. Exploring all the sweet and savory options that pumpkins, squash and apples offer is enough to keep you busy in the kitchen for days! Make spiced toasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin ravioli, risotto and pies and you have a whole meal from one gourd! Football festivities are fun whether you like sports or not. Put out some simple nibbles for the sports nuts and then focus on making things special for everyone else as well. Maybe you can set up a football throwing target practice in your backyard or a pumpkin painting station for the kids! Whether guests are gathered ‘round the TV or playing outside, your hospitality will be appreciated. Celebrate Fall colors outside! Forecasters are predicting an uncommonly warm Autumn, so celebrate the outdoors while you still can! Take in the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp - but not yet biting - air on the patio! A firepit or some outdoor heaters can keep guests cozy once the sun sets.
@ Create Seasonal Cocktails 2 Cinnamon Cider Sangria: Combine 1 bottle (750 ml) of pinot grigio, 2 ½ cups fresh apple cider, 1 cup club soda, ½ cup ginger brandy, 3 honey crisp apples, chopped and 3 pears, chopped. Drop in a couple cinnamon sticks and let it all sit for at least an hour (the longer, the better) before serving. Apple Pie Whiskey: This is delicious with whiskey, but will go just as well with rum or any other hard liquor you can picture harmonizing with apple and cinnamon. Chop a whole apple and put it in a jar with enough whiskey to cover the fruit. Let it sit for a few days gaining fruit flavor and then add a couple cinnamon sticks and some allspice berries. Leave it overnight for a spicy, sweet treat! Vermont Old Fashioned: Muddle a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass with a half shot pure maple syrup. Fill glass with ice, add bourbon or rye whiskey, and top with a splash of soda.
@ Set Out Easy to Eat Treats 2 The best party food is easy to carry and eat while socializing. Give your guests a selection of seasonal treats that’s easy to eat one-handed while carrying their plate or juggling a drink. This’ll save you on carpet cleaning later! Pumpkin seeds are great whether they’re sweet or salty, so this year why not make pumpkin brittle? Also, pumpkin pie is a classic. Make it into cute little hand pies for portable eating. Cheesy mini mushroom quiches are great fall comfort food and travel well.
$625,000 Parsippany 1.39 Acre retreat in busy Parsippany! Park-like property + charming 5 BR, 3 Bath home w/true M/D suite offering separate entrance. Beautifully updated Kitchen & Baths. Huge screened porch. Heated, fenced IG pool.
$264,900 Parsippany
Solid 3 BR home. LR w/stone FP. Bright Family Room. Deep lot, Deck.
$429,900 Montville
Pristine 3 BR, 2.1 Bath Ranch LR w/ brick FP accent wall. .68 Acres.
$399,900 Boonton
Renovated 3 BR, 1.2 Bath Split w/ gorgeous new Kitchen. River views.
$650,000 Boonton 1880 landmark Park Section home full of modern amenities. Diagonally laid HW floors throughout 1st & 2nd levels. Formal LR, DR, Parlor. Family Room w/wall of windows. Remodeled Kitchen. Large Deck & IG Pool. Established 1979
Gilmer
TermiTe & PesT ConTrol, llC. of Succasunna, NJ
Free estimates! Contact Jim or Jay
Phone: (973) 584-7684 Fax: (973) 252-1020
Residential • Commercial • Fumigations Termites & Carpenter Ant Specialists Bed Bugs • General Pest • Bird Control Humane Animal Trapping Small Repairs • Green Pest Services Available
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$329,900 Boonton
Totally updated 3 BR, 1.1 Bath home blocks from downtown, Park. Perfect!
$449,900 Parsippany
3 BR, 3 Bath Expanded Ranch w/2 spacious Master Suites, skylights.
$484,900 Parsippany
5 BR, 3 Bath showplace. Flowing open floorplan. Custom Kitchen.
$725,000 Boonton 4 BR, 3.1 Bath Colonial in Boonton’s sought after Park Section. Updated turn-key Colonial with elegant moldings, HW floors in open 1st Floor. New appliances. 2 Master Suites upstairs. Spacious deck & yard.
Jackie Says... "Don't replace your roof. Renew it!" Stains on your roof are usually algae, lichen, moss or a mix of the three. They grow and decay and leave behind stains and roof damage. Fortunately, there's an affordable and long-lasting solution. Call Roof Renew Pros for fresh looking roof with a 2 year stain-blocker warranty!
Before
After
Licensed & Insured
10 Reasons to Renew Your Roof
1. Prolong your shingle life. Moss, algae & lichen can grow into the narrow spaces between shingles, enlarging gaps & creating leaks! 2. Remove ugly roof stains. If any stains grow back within 2 years, Roof Renew will re-clean the area for free - guaranteed! 3. Lower utility bills! Dark stains attract more sun, which means that your home gets hotter than it should. 4. Increase property & resale value. A house that looks well kept fetches more money! 5. Avoid termination of your Homeowners Insurance policy. Many companies are insisting that roofs stay clear of organic growth. 6. Organic cleaning is safer. Keep chemicals out of your garden and away from where your kids and pets play. 7. Cleaning is cheaper than a new roof. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Protect your investment. 8. Improve curb appeal. Why have a beautiful house with a splotchy roof? Complete the curb appeal! 9. Prevent black mold. Mold that develops on your roof can work its way into your attic. Keep your home healthy from the outside in. 10. Preserve your roof by never power washing. High pressure sprays will remove the gritty granules that protect your shingles!
When you call, mention this ad for 10% Off!
Call 973-786-3623 for a Free Estimate! | Learn more at RoofRenewPros.com
Spotlight Property
$750,000 Fairfield 5 BR, 3 Bath contemporary Colonial built in 2014. Soaring ceilings & chic high-end finishes. LR w/bay window & HW floor. Formal DR w/tray ceiling. 2 Story Family Room w/fireplace opens into Kitchen w/granite counters, stainless Viking appliances, breakfast area. 1st Floor Office & Full Bath. Jacuzzi Master Suite. 1.32 acres.
Spotlight Property
$739,900 Boonton Twp 4 BR, 3.1 Bath Colonial with country charm & upgrades galore. Great Room w/cathedral ceiling, wet bar, FP, opens to center island Kitchen w/breakfast bar, granite. Formal DR w/fireplace. Master Suite w/ cathedral ceiling, WIC and luxury Jacuzzi Bath w/skylight & double vanity. Spacious & serene 1.86 acre property w/deck.
NJ’s Biggest View!
One of NJ’s most distinctive hikes is at High Point State Park in Montague. This park is on the highest peak of the Kittatinny Mountains and every year visitors flock to see Fall colors in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania simultaneously! The High Point Monument offers visitors stunning panoramic views from the top of the obelisk as well as extensive trails and picnic areas.
Eat Jersey Fresh!
NJ earns the title of Garden State easily as a top 10 producer of 11 different fruits & vegetables, and our farm stands are second to none when you want Fall produce! For locally farmed goods, I recommend Hamilton Farms in Boonton Twp!
Six Totally Making Mischief?
If you grew up in NJ, then when I say Mischief Night, you immediately picture eggs and toilet paper flying free under cover of darkness. People from anywhere else would be baffled. Apparently, they might make trouble in other states the night before Halloween, but we’re the only place in the whole country that calls it Mischief Night. The name actually followed settlers over here from England, where they celebrate Mischief Night the evening before Guy Fawkes Day. Note: This Realtor does not endorse pranking your neighbors!
Got Eyes Like a Hawk?
Did you know that NJ is a major hawk highway? Our local Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch in Rockaway Twp. gives you the opportunity to spot 16 species of raptor (including eagles!) during their Fall migration. Between August 15th & November 15th as many as 15,000 hawks will be heading through the Rockaway Valley flyway. Visit wcrhawkwatch.com for details!
Fall Traditions Fall for Lake Hopatcong aboard the Miss Lotta! The best way to enjoy NJ’s biggest lake is from the water, and on Lake Hopatcong, the fun doesn’t stop when beach season ends. Book a tour on the Miss Lotta to enjoy Fall colors around the lake & special festivities! They’ve got everything from football cruises with traditional game day buffets, to a special haunted cruise for Halloween. You can even celebrate Oktoberfest on board! The best part is that all the catering is done by chefs from Alice’s Restaurant and the Windlass! Visit LakeHopatcongCruises to book an outing!
Mickey Mouse Migration!
Did you know that NJ is the single largest market for the Disneyworld Resort in Orlando? In November our students’ days off for Teacher Days, Election Day and Veteran’s Day fall close enough together to create the phenomenon known as Jersey Week in the Magic Kingdom. Savvy New Jerseyans have noticed that the temperatures and crowds drop at Disney during this time of year, so many parents decide to round out the week and visit Mickey. And that makes us the only State with enough influence to get our own (unofficial) Disney week!
$549,900 Parsippany 4 BR, 2.1 Bath home w/gracious circular drive, double door entryway. Marble tiled Foyer. LR w/ parquet floor steps up to DR. Massive 13x32 Family Room w/FP opens to Den w/sliders to deck. Large 2 tier deck.
$384,900 Denville
3 BR, 2 Bath Cape fully renovated 10 yrs ago. New granite & SS Kitchen.
$364,900 Parsippany
4 BR, 2 Bath Expanded Ranch. LR w/ FP. 20'x17'' MBR w/Bath. .34 Acres.
$299,900 Mount Arlington
New Custom 4 BR, 3 Bath home. HW & CT floors. Stylish & eco-friendly.
$725,000 Boonton Twp 2.4 Acre oasis. 4 BR, 3.1 Bath Expanded Ranch w/high style upgrades & open flow. Formal
LR & DR. Center island Kitchen opens to Family Room w/FP. Den, Sun Room, Hot Tub Atrium, Rec Room. Fenced Pool.
Jackie Says . . .
“ I highly recommend Dante for all your Preferred Home Financing! He’s never too busy to help!”
Dante Puorro NMLS# 267435 Branch Manager
Cell: (973) 985-7233 Fax: (855) 214-4562 Dante.Puorro@caliberhomeloans.com http://caliberhomeloans.com/dpuorro
5 Time Winner of the Top Producer Award
Deals with Dominique:
5 Tips to Save Space & Money! Remodeling is expensive! A smarter strategy for how you use your home can save big $$$$$!
The tips below could save you the trouble of tearing out walls AND hair! It’s all about attitude, adaptability and ingenuity. The right renovations can also help your re-sale value down the road. I’m here to help you spend smarter!
1. Re-Imagine Your Space! Having amenities like a Guest Room or a rarely used Formal Living Room or Dining Room is great when you have the space to spare. If you need more room, though, it’s time to re-arrange rooms for double duty. If you want a home office, room to create or even just an upstairs Media Room, then don’t remodel - re-purpose. Office armoires offer great storage and desk space and come in elegant finishes that would look great in your Guest or Dining Rooms. They’re fantastic as craft cubbies as well. Additionally, for the cost of a sleeper sofa or futon, you can turn that spare room into year-round living space without giving up the ability to host family at Thanksgiving. 2. Bumping Out is Easier & Cheaper! If you’ve ever wished for just a LITTLE more space, then this could be your best move. Unlike larger additions, bump-outs are legally required to stay within about 2 feet of existing walls, but sometimes that’s all you need for a Powder Room, Breakfast Nook or bigger closet space off the Master Bedroom. Staying close to the original footprint of your home means fewer structural expenses like foundation work and there’s usually a much simpler approval & permitting process! 3. Open Up! If your home is feeling closed-in and dated, sometimes all it takes to make it modern is opening up your floorplan. If there aren’t pipes in the way, non-load bearing walls are surprisingly affordable and easy to remove. Even if there’s plumbing to re-route, you may be able to substantially widen openings between rooms for an open, airy flow. My buyers love homes where the Family Room and Kitchen flow together into one big, informal family area. You’ll be surprised at how much larger a home can feel without adding any square feet! 4. Build In, Not Out! Sometimes a room has a perfectly good amount of space in it, but lacks the kind of storage you want. This is where clever use of built-ins can make all the difference. Taking a wall of your Bedroom and adding custom shelving and drawers can be a very beautiful & functional use of space. Also, if you have some basic DIY skills, you can take a group of store-bought storage pieces in compatible colors and face the gaps between them with pieces of molding. A crown along the top and some trim running down the seams between sets of shelves will look great! No one needs to know it’s not custom built! Check out Ikea’s extensive Billy shelving line for easy & affordable storage options.
5. Wash & Dry Upstairs! Did you know that stackable washer/dryers only need about 4 square feet of space? Everyone wants upstairs or first floor Laundry Rooms nowadays, and it’s surprisingly easy to do if you have a large hall closet or Bathroom linen closet you don’t mind giving up. The closer you are to the pipes for the Bathroom, the easier the required plumbing work will be.
Dominique Scura Sales Associate
RE/MAX First Choice Realtors cell: 973.219.8909
office: 973.335.4600
Dominique.Scura@gmail.com DominiqueScura.com
Want great Real Estate Tips and News? Go to Facebook.com/ ShopMorrisCountyHomes or follow me on Twitter @ShopNJHomes
$699,900 Denville 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Custom home set on 1.56 acres of peace & privacy. Soaring ceilings & an open flow between LR, DR, Kitchen & Family Room. MBR Suite w/soaking tub, skylight, balcony. Patio + fenced IG Pool. Perfect!
$450,000 Hanover Twp.
4 BR, 3 Bath home w/updates galore, chic new Baths, Jacuzzi Master Bath.
$359,900 Boonton Twp.
3 BR, 2 Bath Cape w/newer windows, HW floors. Private, shaded property.
$369,900 Boonton
Multi-Family! 2 updated 3 BR, 1 Bath units. Live in one, rent the other!
$525,000 Parsippany
4 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial in Rainbow Lakes. Huge finished Basement.
$269,900 Parsippany
All new from top to bottom! 2 BRs. Soaring ceilings, skylights. Spotless!
$325,000 Denville
Enchanting 2 BR, 1.1 Bath stone cottage. LR, DR, Loft. .86 Acres.
Everyone Should Have a Great Thanksgiving! Families in Need: Call Today to R.S.V.P.
for Jackie’s Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner In a Bag! It has everything needed for a delicious holiday dinner *
Call (973) 335-4600 to R.S.V.P.
* While Supplies Last
3 Things You Need to Know to Prevent
House Fires
Treadmills can burn more than just calories… Recently, I was working with a client whose home burned down in a fire. What shocked me was that his fire wasn't from one of the usual causes you hear about, like faulty wiring. His fire started with fitness when an exercise treadmill suddenly burst into flames while no one was using it. When I researched this issue, I found one insurance agent reporting that he'd dealt with 3 separate house fires caused by treadmills in just 18 months! The problem is that the motors keep running as long as the treadmill is plugged in, so any malfunctions can lead to a fire. The best way to protect your home is to unplug your treadmill after every use. The second precaution you can take is placing your machine on top of a sturdy rubber mat made just for this purpose. This is a useful practice in more ways than one. The mat will keep carpet fibers and dust balls out of the motor, while also cutting down on the impact when you run. This keeps down the noise level when you exercise, and insulates your floor and the machine from all those jolts as you hit your stride.
Don’t overextend those cords… So what else should you be looking at suspiciously right now? I'd suggest checking out your power plug situation. There's a big difference between an extension cord and a power strip, and knowing the difference when you plug in can save you a lot of grief. Power strips and surge protectors are UL rated to handle continuously powering your media centers and computers. They're characterized by heavily insulated wires, master power switches and cords no longer than 25' long. By comparison, extension cords are only supposed to be used for short-term, temporary purposes. Thinner, less insulated cords and longer cable lengths make them much more vulnerable to damage and potential fires. It's estimated that extension cords cause 3,300 fires a year and around 300 injuries and deaths. So what can you do? Only use extension cords with polarized plugs - which you can identify by the two differently sized prongs. Also, dispose of any that lose insulation along the cord or simply seem like they've gotten all bent out of shape over time. The cost of a new extension cord is nothing compared to what you'll have to go through if there's a fire. Additionally, avoid creating long chains of separate extension cords. Just keep one extra long extension cord around the house and you'll avoid the temptation to rig up a major fire hazard.
Never let your laptop nap in bed… If you regularly use your laptop in bed or on the couch, you need to be very careful about where you leave the computer when you’re done. Nowadays most of us don’t bother shutting everything down - we just just close the case and carry on with our day. This is fine, but make sure you leave your laptop some room to breathe. Cushy bedding and couches will swallow up all the heat your laptop is trying to vent and there are many documented cases of homes going up in flames exactly this way. Just set it down on a hard surface and your laptop can rest peacefully.
Jackie Scura’s Seal of Approval
$750,000 Boonton Twp 4 BR, 2.2 Bath stone Colonial on .56 private acres. 2 Story Foyer. Family Room w/stone FP, 2 sets of sliders to wrap-around deck. Gourmet EIK. MBR Suite w/private Balcony, Jacuzzi Bath. Poolside paradise w/waterfall.
$489,900 Parsippany
Totally turn-key 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial Split. Gorgeous yard.
$269,900 Morris Twp
Solid, historic 4 BR, 2 Bath 1740s home awaiting your updates!
$369,900 Parsippany
4 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial. LR & DR w/HW floors. Open Kitchen & Family Rm.
Top
10 at Home Innovations!
Jackie keeps you updated on the technology for easier everyday living
1. Get a charge in your Kitchen What do you get when you combine beautiful quartz counters with Techtop? Wireless charging while you cook & do dishes! Stream TV & music or browse online recipes & never worry about plugging in to charge. lgtechtop.com 3. Gather garbage with ease If you’ve got a big clean-up job, you need a better bag, not extra hands. The geniuses at Gorilla have made a 42 Gallon standup garbage bag that stays open and holds 200lbs! It’s $12.68 for 12 at Walmart and worth every penny. gorillatough.com
2. The quiet, efficient generator Back-up generators aren’t known for being quiet or efficient, but the Synergy Home Standby is both. It can be powered by gas or propane and it varies speed according to your house’s current power needs to avoid waste. generac.com 4. Give your pets a stylish lift If your pets are having trouble getting upwards, the “Wamp” is by far your most stylish option. It’s lightweight, easy to clean and so cute and useful that Oprah added it to her “O List” of preferred products! dashandalbert.com 5. Practically instant slate floor Slate tile is usually a big job, requiring grouting, sealing and cutting heavy stone. Ecoslate is an innovative clicktogether floor made with all natural slate veneer over a cork backing. Natural stone without the work! qualitycraft.com
7. The nightlight we all need The Nightlight Toilet Seat is a perfectly simple solution if you make nighttime bathroom visits and hate waking yourself up by turning on the light. A subtle light gives you the guidance you need & disappears at dawn. kohler.com 9. Ultimate home lost & found Always misplacing your phone or keys? You need Chipolo. Attach the bluetooth enabled tag to your keys & install the app on your phone. Then your phone can find your keys and the chip can make your phone ring! Genius! chipolo.net
6. Get gleaming glass that lasts Hate cleaning your glass shower door? Enduroshield’s simple spray-on Glass Treatment Kit will give a gleaming finish that lasts three years and repels all the soap scum and mineral marks you waste your time on now. enduroshieldusa.com 8. 10 minutes to fresher clothes Dry cleaning is an expensive way to deal with mostly clean clothes that just need a little freshening up and de-wrinkling! Fortunately, the Swash is a quick, fabricsafe solution. Pop your top in for 10 minutes and it’ll be perfect! swash.com
10. The sleekest ceiling fan The Terna pendant ceiling fan by Kichler boasts a slim profile & a different way of moving air! By directing the current down, rather than sideways, the Terna gives you cooling breezes that won’t blow everything away. kichler.com
$2,000,000 Denville 6 BR, 6.1 Bath custom home offering over 13,000 sq. ft. of pure luxury set on 6.79 acres! Grand entry w/open flow to LR & DR. 2 Story Great Room. Master Suite retreat. Basement Theatre & Game Room. Amazing!
$269,900 Boonton Twp
2 BR cabin updated for modern living w/granite kitchen, skylights.
$269,000 Hopatcong
4 BR, 2.1 Bath Bi-Level w/HW floors, newer Kitchen. 3 fish ponds, double deck.
$464,900 Parsippany
4 BR, 2.1 Bath 2005 Colonial. HW floors, SS & granite Kitchen. Gorgeous!
$699,900 Denville 3 BR, 2.1 Bath Ranch on over an acre of paradise! Flowing open floorplan, oversized windows & vaulted ceilings. LR, DR, Family Room, 2 Sun Rooms. New Baths. Paver Patio w/pond, waterfall. Deck. Detached Workshop.
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Keep a Healthy Home during the Flu Season! 1. Let the sun shine in
Sunlight is the best anti-bacterial cleaner there is. Throw open the curtains and let the light do its work on every room. If someone in your household is already sick, you can even use sunlight to sterilize their toothbrush until they get better and you can replace it. Just leave it on a (clean) sunny windowsill and it will get purified by UV rays. (100% cheaper than buying a UV light for your toothbrushes!)
2. Lose the shoes
When the University of Arizona teamed up with Rockport shoes to study how much bacteria we carry on our soles, the results were surprisingly scary. Volunteers had brand new shoes tested over a two week period, and during that time scientists observed over 420,000 units of bacteria! Even worse was the fact that 27% of that bacteria was dangerous E Coli! They also observed that the transfer rate to hard tile and wood floors was over 90%, so do yourself a favor and shed your shoes by the door to keep germs contained!
3. Hand washing hazards
4. Disinfect strategically
When you wash your hands, don’t worry about using antibacterial soap. Medical studies show that any old soap will do, just so long as you keep washing for at least 20-25 seconds every time under warm (not hot) water.
Think carefully about what gets touched by everyone in the house and disinfect all of those surfaces. Sink handles, door handles, remote controls, light switches, toys, etc. all need a quick wipe down with disinfecting wipes to kill lingering germs.
Hand towels in the bathroom and kitchen can become a germ breeding ground that the whole family shares. If someone is sick, swap out the cloth towels for paper towels for a while.
Just be careful not to let your hands get dry from all that washing. Those small cracks in your skin will let in germs. Moisturize your hands regularly and don’t overuse drying hand sanitizers.
5. Sleep safe & sound
If you’re caring for someone with the flu, get ready for some extra laundry duty to protect yourself from their germs. Any towels, sheets and pillows they use will be ground zero for viruses! Wash daily in hot water if you can. Or you can save yourself work by assigning them their linens and making sure no one else touches them. If your patient needs some TV time on the couch, make sure they take their own pillow & blanket, throw a sheet under them and spritz the couch with disinfectant after!
Did you know that the Influenza A virus can survive on smooth, hard surfaces for 24-48 hours and on more absorbant ones for 8-12 hours? Even worse, cold viruses can last a full week on something non-porous like your Kitchen counters.
If you’re worried about using harsh chemicals to disinfect the kids’ toys, know that a natural cleaner can do the job, too. Look for natural disinfectants such as thyme and citric acids on the ingredients list. Or, you can make your own all natural disinfectant spray. It’s surprisingly simple!
Lemon thyme disinfectant spray When mixing, allow vodka and oil to sit for about an hour before you add the water. The vodka helps to carry the essential oils evenly throughout the mixture. Just assemble these ingredients in your spray bottle of choice and spritz on surfaces as you would with Lysol. For hard surfaces, you should still wipe down afterwards. 10 drops lemon essential oil 10 drops thyme essential oil 1 oz vodka 3 oz distilled water
$539,900 Denville Live la dolce vita in this 3 BR, 2.1 Bath Tuscan Villa on 1.89 acres. Amazing stone & tile work by master artisan inside & out. Open floorplan. Pro-style Kitchen. Luxury MBR Suite. Screened Gazebo & paver Patio.
$299,900 Boonton
5 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial w/garage & deep, terraced yard. Updates galore!
$449,000 Caldwell
5 BR, 2.1 Bath Colonial w/original chestnut trim, renovated EIK.
$525,000 Parsippany
Sprawling 4 BR, 2.1 Bath Ranch on deep .56 Acre Lot. Huge Fin. Bsmt!
$575,000 Boonton 3 BR, 2.1 Bath custom home built in 1992. Victorian flair with modern amenities. Beautifully landscaped .92 acre property. High ceilings, wood trim, gorgeous HW floors. Stunning high-end Kitchen. Paver patio.
Q. Why Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney? A. My role in your transaction is to be your personal expert on your contract and your rights under that contract. When you sign your name to those hundreds of lines of terms and conditions, I want you to understand what they mean for you as a buyer or seller. I have practiced Real Estate Law for over 15 years, and closed 1,000s of transactions successfully. Trust me to guide you through this very important event in your life. Call me with any questions!
Bernard J. Schulte, Esq. PC 79 Old Cherry Hill Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 p. 973.394.1212 f. 973.394.1214
Jackie Says: “Do you need a true expert on Real Estate Law? Call Bernie Schulte! I can’t recommend him highly enough!”
Energy Saving Myths Beware! These five Mistakes will Waste your time & Money!
Myth: It’s more efficient to leave the lights on if I’m not
leaving the room for long.
Truth: Your lamps don’t need a surge of power to turn on. They use a steady amount of electricity regardless of how often you turn them on and off, so you might as well get in the habit of hitting that switch on your way in and out of the room. The same is generally true of your electronics, so switch them off if you really want to save.
Myth: Just look for an Energy Star label and you can be
sure that an appliance is efficient.
Truth: Unfortunately, Energy Star labels are handed out based on self-reported figures from the manufacturers, and not every company is as honest or as consistent with their quality control as we’d like. Do your research and buy from well-respected brands. Myth: Not using a room much? Close the heat/AC vents to
save energy!
Truth: When a forced air heat or AC system is installed, it’s designed to work for your whole house. Not only does shutting off a vent in your guest room not save you money, it may actually cost more. Re-directed air is forced backwards into the system and the pressure can cause damage by overworking your compressor or furnace. Keep in mind that the energy is already expended before it ever reaches a vent. Just let the air flow! Myth: Using a space heater saves money! Truth: This tip has the possibility of working out for you, but use it carefully. Electricity can
cost as much as 4 to 10 times as much as natural gas. If you’re planning on heating more than one or two small rooms, space heaters will almost definitely cost you more than running the furnace. If you’re planning on staying in one room for the evening and turning down the heat everywhere else, then the space heater can help for a reasonable price.
Myth: New windows will save me a fortune in heating! Truth: It is true that your windows can leak a lot of heat, but how much really depends on the
percentage of wall space they occupy. Look at all the walls and doors that make up the rest of the room. No matter how good your windows are, you’re barely going to make a dent in efficiency if your walls are poorly insulated and your doors need better weather-stripping. No matter what your window salesman tells you, there’s no such thing as a cure-all and windows may actually be the least of your problems. That’s not to say that new windows are a bad idea, but keep in mind that they’re just a part of your whole-house strategy for conserving energy.
Never Miss a hot tip!
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Let Global design & install the perfect outdoor living space!
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Jackie Says… There's nothing like a beautiful backyard to add value to your home! Global is a family business, and they've been doing beautiful work for over 25 years. I highly recommend them! Call them today & I know you'll thank me this Summer!
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Jackie's Fall for NJ Event Guide Montclair Art Museum
Eric Carle: Animals & Friends Through January 3rd
Featuring work by the acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle (known for Very Hungry Caterpillar and many more), Eric Carle: Animals and Friends highlights the artist’s meticulous preparatory process and key childhood themes of animals and friendship. It includes more than 60 original collages, studies, and book dummies/mock ups. The exhibition features two interactive, family-friendly spaces included with Museum admission - an art lab for creating your own Carle-style collages and a reading nook. www.MontclairArtMuseum.org
Turtle Back Zoo
Waterloo Village
Saturday, October 31st, 4:00 - 9:00
Sunday, October 25th, 11:00 - 3:00
Howl-O-Ween
Family friendly fun! Themed entertainment, candy giveaways, and your favorite animals will be on hand to party with attendees. www.TurtleBackZoo.com
Dog Walk of the Dead
Bring your dog (preferably in costume!) for a day of spooky fun! Music, food, vendors & costume contests to benefit homeless pets. www.DogWalkoftheDead.com
Boonton Main Street
Croton on Hudson, NY
Friday, November 6th, 5:00 - 9:00
October 2nd through November 15th
Salute to Servicemen & Women Businesses will be open late for an evening of sales, socializing, dining, art, and shopping! Thank your troops and support small business at this fun First Friday event! www.BoontonMainStreet.org
The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze More than 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack o’ lanterns! A breathtaking display all made of jack o’ lanterns in a scenic riverside location! Buy tickets early before it sells out for the year. www.HudsonValley.org/events/blaze
The Stickley Museum At Craftsman Farms in Parsippany Live, Play, Eat Through Sunday, March 6th Learn about everyday life in the early 1900’s
from dining to dances. Amazing artifacts and a perfectly period soundtrack set the stage for immersing yourself in a fun, festive era of American history! Monthly Curator’s Tours also available! Craftsman Farms & Craft Beer Friday, November 20th Brooklyn Brewery’s brewmaster, Garrett Oliver, will be educating guests and lending his expertise for a sumptuous series of beer & food pairings at the Park Avenue Club! Seating is limited! www.StickleyMuseum.org
Laurita Winery
Morris Museum
Saturday, November 14th, 11:00 to 10:30 Sunday, November 15th, 11:00 to 9:30
Saturday, November 14th, 11:00 - 4:00
Late Fall Food Truck Fest
Dine from over 2 dozen food trucks & sip some native NJ wine! Vineyard tours, line dancing, live music. Kids activities include bounce house, face painting & playground. www.LauritaWinery.com
Lenape Family Day
A full day of activities to learn about NJ’s native Lenape Indians led by John Kraft of Lenape Lifeways! Kids can design their own satchels, weave corn, go on scavenger hunts & enjoy an interactive story time about local Native American legends. www.MorrisMuseum.org
Jacqueline Scura RE/MAX First Choice Realtors 1160 Route 46 West Parsippany NJ 07054
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Local Postal Customer
Jackie highly recommends these trusted local businesses! Give them a try!
Bob's Men's Shop
E
stablished in 1948, Bob's Men's Shop has been providing the Morris County area with fine men's clothing for over 67 years. Featuring major brands Tommy Bahama, Southern Tide, Woolrich, Enro, Cutter and Buck, Hart Schaffner and Marx, Viyella, and Johnston and Murphy. From suits and sportswear to socks and shoes.
Jackie Says… "Clients always thank me after hiring Junk-AHaulics!"
We're here to make you look & feel your best.
Jackie Says... "This is a great spot to shop for gifts men will love! Bob's has the best prices on Tommy Bahama and they even throw in free gift wrapping!"
602 Main Street Boonton, NJ 07005 973-334-1496 • BobsMensShop.com
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• Carpet Cleaning • Tile & Grout • Upholstery Cleaning & Cleaning Sealing • Hardwood Floor • Drapery Panel Recoating Cleaning
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. Information Deemed Reliable, But Not Guaranteed. If Your Home is Already Listed With Another Realtor, Please Disregard This Notice
• Marble Honing • Carpet, Pad & Staple Rip-Up • Odor Removal • Office Cleaning & Maintenance