Spring 2022 SJ Real Estate Magazine by nmg

REALESTATE South Jersey

FREE

SPRING 2022 ISSUE

In th Crea ting is issu Pesk a Backy e: y Po llen ard Oasi So Sprin s g Cle lutions anin and mor g e!

Y O U R

G U I D E

T O

T H E

SPRING REAL ESTATE MARKET

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Nancy Kowalik Founder/Owner

70% FASTER

†

10.29% MORE

†

SOLD!

$60k Over Asking! $37.5k Over Asking! 76 Essex Ave- Sewell 76 Essex Ave- Sewell

19 Hancock Ln - Berlin

5-STAR RATING OF EXCELLENCE “Nancy was great to work with. She was able to sell our home quickly and for well above asking price. Selling our home with Nancy was a wonderful experience and I would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.” -Jason S., Happy Seller -Google Reviews

$61k Over Asking! 13 Arbour Lane - Mullica Hill

5-STAR RATING OF EXCELLENCE “The result that the Nancy Kowalik Group produce speaks for itself. We were originally working with another agency, over the course of 5 months, we had two sales fall through. Nancy and her team took our beautiful home and worked their magic! Our home closed in 3 weeks! -Dana H, Happy Seller - Google Reviews

Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty-Nancy Kowalik Group (856) 478-6562 46 N. Main St. Mullica Hill, NJ *Nancy and Seler must agree on price and timing.

† Based on Bright MLS 2020

Let the Supko Team Move You! Dedicated, Creative & Dependable

Over 25 Years Full Time Real Estate Experience

Kathryn B. Supko

Broker Salesperson Realtor

609-504-4579

139 Country Club Dr. Moorestown

103 N Riding Dr. Moorestown

R DE CT UN TRA N CO

D’Arcy DiSpirito Realtor Associate

609-330-1940

15 Castleton Lane Moorestown

726 Maple Ct Moorestown LD

48 Palmer Drive Moorestown

309 Pleasant Valley Ave. Moorestown LD

Amy Snodgrass Realtor Associate

856-296-1804 122 Colonial Ave. Moorestown

1413 Georgian Dr. Moorestown

Kathryn B. Supko Broker Salesperson, REALTOR®

cell: 609-504-4579 | main: 856-222-5842 kathryn.supko@foxroach.com

123 Chester Avenue, Suite B • Moorestown, NJ 08057

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Thank You to our Expert

Contributors

South Jersey

REAL ESTATE SPRING 2022 ISSUE

COO

PERRY CORSETTI VP OF SALES

ARLENE REYES PUBLISHER

BRITTANY ROUGHT EDITOR

MACKENZIE FITCHETT Joseph Campellone

Kim Spence

ACCOUNT MANAGER:

TATIANA TABILE MARKETING CONSULTANTS:

CASEY MEGLINO MEGAN MUDD KAREN RODIER MITCH SMITH LOUIS WASHINGTON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Keith Fisher

Maureen D. Adamo

CHRIS ISAAC LAUREN LAMANTIA SAM DONNELLON JASMINE FARRELL LAYOUT AND DESIGN

KIMBERLY KRAUSS

Nicole Ventrella

South Jersey Real Estate is a publication of Newspaper Media Group 130 Twinbridge Drive Pennsauken, NJ 08110 856.779.3800 x6920 sunadvertising@ newspapermediagroup.com

‘You Dream It…I’ll Make It Happen’

More than $45 MILLION in Real Estate SOLD in 2021!

We Made 104 Families’ Real Estate Dreams Come True! Let me help you start the next chapter by getting you Top Dollar! ing ist L w Ne

ing ist L w Ne

2 Periwinkle Place Lumberton ld* So

r de ct Un ntra Co

ld So

2 Bluff View Medford

11 Chestnut Road Medford

12 Baldwin Hill Place Moorestown

ld* So

ld So

414 Albany Avenue Haddon Township

32 Chase Road Lumberton

81 Balsam Road Lumberton

ld So

132 Saint Vincent Court Cherry Hill *Rep. Buyer

879 Cox Road Moorestown

CHRISTINE DASH Realtor Associate

513 S. Lenola Rd., Moorestown, NJ 08057 C: 609.332.6266 O: 856.316.1100 christine@dashforhomes.com

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

SPRING MARKET OUTLOOK

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

BY SAM DONNELLON

nyone hoping for a more supple spring real estate market in South New Jersey better start building a wall somewhere above Exit 9 of the Turnpike. Just kidding of course, but the arrival of buyers from New York City and its suburbs is only adding pressure on what continues to be a stifling lack of inventory in South Jersey, and particularly the counties of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties.

four or five offers last year,” she says. “They’re coming back into play.” The prospect of interest rates climbing into and above 4.5 percent is further motivation, adding to the traditional spring factors such as families looking to get situated by the start of a new school year. “They want to be in their new home by the middle of the summer,” says Betteridge. “We’ve got to step up our game here.” Nancy Kowalik, who leads a team

of 20 realtors with Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty out of Mullica Hill, agrees. “It’s the same story,” in Gloucester and Burlington Counties, she says. Because it is more rural in much of her market – homes typically sit on large lots of an acre or even more -- “It’s a little more challenging” for buyers there. The massive expansion of Rowan University in Glassboro and the addition of Inspira Hospital on the outskirts of Mullica Hill please see MARKET, page 12

“I ask them, what brings you to Camden County and Gloucester County,” says Virginia ‘Ginny’ Betteridge, a realtor with Weichert Realtors in Haddonfield. “Or even Burlington County. Some of the people who are transplanting are doing so because, while we’re still considered suburban, we’re really a little metropolis. So they feel like they’re living in the suburbs with Camden County and yet with the amenities of nearby shopping, easy access to the highways. “Camden County just offers so much to these folks who are used to being amid the hustle and bustle. So when they’re coming down here paying 300,000 for a house, they’re saying we couldn’t find a house like this up there, and if I could, I couldn’t afford it. The $350,000 here is a half-million or more up there.” The hottest towns remain those close to the speedline and major routes such as Route 70, the Black Horse Pike, The White Horse Pike and Interstate 295. Collingswood, Haddon Township and Haddonfield remain hot, and Oaklyn and Audubon have limited inventory as well. Homes in Gloucester Township, despite its larger size (65,000), are hard to find and sell quickly, Betteridge says. There was some hope last autumn that a number of factors this spring would add inventory to these much soughtafter counties. But continued apprehension over what’s next in the war against COVID, safety concerns about downsizing via a move to Philadelphia and the cost escalation of resettling in desirable retirement communities – and a lack of availability -- have anchored would-be sellers and added to the angina of buyers, some of whom have been looking since last spring. There has also been a re-entry into the market of ‘fatigued’ buyers who stopped looking last fall, says Betteridge. “That group is seasoned because they lost on

Ready to Move? Let’s Work Together! CYNTHIA BEECHLER Office: 856-235-1950

Sales Associate Cell: 732.690.0888 cynthiabeechler@gmail.com www.cynthiabeechler.com

Office address: 202 W. Main St. Moorestown, NJ 08057

REALESTATE South Jersey

DEADLINE: JUNE 27

Summer issue coming in July Don’t miss your chance to take part in our next issue! For more information or to advertise call

856-779-3800 x6920

NM-00490019

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

SOLUTIONS FOR A

BY JASMINE FARRELL

PESKY

POLLEN

s spring 2022 settles in with flowers blooming, the temperature rising (and randomly falling drastically), it’s time to face the powdery pesky substance made by seed plants: Pollen. A recent study by Yingxiao Zhang and Allison L. Steiner explains how the pollen season will be longer and more intense due to climate change. People who suffer from allergies will most likely have to be on guard with pollen protection more than ever before. Likewise, with realtors and property owners, more TLC will need to be given to their properties during the pollen season. With some expert advice from realtor Keith Fisher, check out these tips to better protect your property from pollen and easy cleaning solutions

PREVENTION

Call Or Email For A Free Estimate!

Own A Shore House? Protect Your Fine Furnishings This Summer Without Sacrificing Your View!

206 Medford Mt Holly Rd Medford, NJ 08055 856-840-0900 southjerseywindowtinting@gmail.com www.southjerseywindowtinting.com

To cease pollen from landing on lawns and the exterior of your property, simply can’t be done yet. Nonetheless, there are some wonderful methods for interior pollen property protection. Utilizing the latest air filtration systems will not only snag pollen and dust mites but can also eliminate unpleasant odors. Lingering smells such as cigarettes and pet odors can take a bit more work than deodorizers. To avoid future lingering smells and pollen, consider investing in a modern air filtration system. If there is a filter, make sure to replace or clean the filter frequently. Keep an out for the pollen count in your area. Once it reaches a medium count, keep the windows closed and cool down the property with a fan or air conditioner. “One of the main challenges is pollen build-up in the interior of homes as well as the windows. We tell everyone to rely more heavily on the air conditioning and try to keep the windows closed to avoid pollen from entering the property,” Fisher replies when asked about the main challenge sellers and realtors face when it comes to pollen. please see POLLEN, page 11

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

THERE IS NO SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS

We are the #1 Century 21 Office in New Jersey since 2003

Bob Johns

POLLEN

continued from page 10

TIDYING UP WINDOWS With warm soap and water, clean the window glass, tracks and casings before house showings. Disinfectant wipes are also a great option and an easier clean up.

FURNITURE It may be tricky to clean upholstered and fabric-covered furniture. If you have a small vacuum, use that over upholstered furniture as well as lint rollers. “If you don’t have upholstered sofas and furniture then you’ll want to opt for things that are made out of wood and metal,” Fisher mentions. It’s easier to wipe off dirt, dust and pollen from the aforementioned materials. Same with curtains, Keith continues, “Try to get washable curtains. Curtains that are made out of cotton or synthetic fabrics, please see POLLEN, page 13

AWARD WINNING AGENTS WITH

800+ SALES IN 2021

Joe Rauh HELPING FAMILIES LIKE YOURS FOR

OVER

40 YEARS

856-582-0366 Bunker Hill Plaza, Suites 1-3 508 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080

www.century21rauhandjohns.com Each office independently owned and operated.

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

MARKET

continued from page 7

has meant an expansion in new residents flooding the area seeking homes. “And that was before COVID hit,” says Kowalik. “When I first moved here 30 years ago there wasn’t even a supermarket. “It’s great for sellers, but it is so challenging for buyers,” she says. “You need expert representation. We help our clients write love letters. We help our clients express themselves and make a difference. We’re not just a number. Other realtors weren’t doing that. A buyer says ‘I love this house!’ Well, let’s put that in writing! Heck, let’s put that into a video!’’ “Buyers and agents are going to have to be creative as hell this year to put deals together that work for everybody.”

SETTLE IN STYLE WITH FORTUNE TITLE 150 Himmelein Road Medford, NJ 08055

2902 Haddonfield Road Pennsauken, NJ 08110

www.fortunetitle.com orders@fortunetitle.com 973-226-6555

One approach that won’t work is putting your search off to the fall, says Betteridge. For one, rates will rise. For another, homeowners who have put off selling due to COVID concerns are not likely to alter their behavior with yet another new variant on the horizon. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but based on numbers and what has happened or happening, take your leap now,” she says. “Interest rates are still, historically, low. And as for availability – we’ve been talking about this for three years – when is this going to burst?” ■

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

I asked Keith about some quick must-dos for open houses and individual showings and cleaning frequency, he replied, “During a heavy pollen season at least once or twice a week— definitely go the night before just to wipe things down. On the floors, you can use the Swiffer mop and the carpets, you definitely want to make sure you vacuum the night before.”

POLLEN

continued from page 11

are a lot easier to clean.” Wash all show bedding pieces and be sure to purchase casings that prevent pollen and dust mites.

When you are deep cleaning or simply dusting off items in the home, always clean the floors last! Pollen and dust will always wind up on the floor after dusting and wiping down furniture. To avoid exerting any extra energy, mop or vacuum the floors as the last hurrah for a pollen-free home.

APPLIANCES

HOUSE SHOWINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

Potential buyers will not only scan the furniture, but they will also be on the lookout for the appliances! Dust off all appliances, especially appliances near windows (think of the kitchen). Give the items a final wipe down with a dryer sheet. This will help prevent future pollen build-up.

D.E.P. CERTIFICATION # USO1167

Just recently, Fisher had to take his own tidying advice for an open house on behalf of the seller. Knowing there would be a lot of foot traffic, he went through the house before and after the open house event. Thankfully, the seller had hardwood floors so a quick Swiffer mop before and after did the trick. Fisher strongly suggests checking the filters in the HVAC units and vacuums are changed right before pollen season so they can be used at maximum capacity. Pollen season may be roaring this year and on, but with the above solutions and frequency, your house selling or open house will be smooth sails. Well, as far as the home and pesky pollen is concerned. Happy selling! ■

BUILDER CERTIFICATION # 13VH00991900

B&B Environmental Inc. Petroleum Tank Specialist

FLOORS “If you have hardwood floors, engineered hardwood, or linoleum floors, those are better than carpets. If you do have carpets, I would recommend vacuuming at least once a week during the heavy pollen season,” Fisher answers when I asked about floors.

Find Your Dream Home! Keith Fisher Jr.

Download my all new KW app here:

app.kw.com/KW2Q7O43F

NM-00488912

Office: 856-582-1200 • Cell: 609-694-6979 keithfisher.kw.com

NM-00490189

Keller Williams Realty Washington Township 381 Egg Harbor Road, Suite 2 Sewell, NJ 08080

2127B Route 206 • Southampton, NJ 08088 Phone: (609) 267-6400 | Phone: (609) 801-1001 Email: Bob@BB-Environmentalinc.com Web: www.BB-Environmentalinc.com

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

American Door & Window Specialist *Free Install for Entrance Door Free Install for WindowS Limited Please see see sales sales rep rep for for details. details. Limited offer. offer.Please

WINDOWS

STUNNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

111 PULASKI AVE., RIVERSIDE, NJ 08075 33 Years of Excellence Service! Call Today 856-461-8484

111 PULASKI AVE., RIVERSIDE, NJ 08075

WINDOWS

STUNNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

33 Years of Excellence Service! Call Today 856-461-8484

WELCOME HOME

HADDONFIELD OFFICE

lwolschina@kw.com lisawolschinaandassociates.com 222-224 Kings Highway E., Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Licensed in NJ and PA 856.874.8980 OFFICE HADDONFIELD OCEAN CITY OFFICE lwolschina@kw.com NM-00488650 lisawolschinaandassociates.com 222-224 Kings Highway E., 1 Atlantic Ave. Licensed in NJ and PA Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Ocean City, NJ 08226 856.874.8980 609.399.5454

Keller Williams Realty 409 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Keller Williams Realty 409 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

NM-00490563

E X T R AOR D I NA R Y T I M E S . E X TR AORDINA R Y SAL E S P ROF E S SIONA L S .

OUR P ROF E S S IONA L S R I S E TO T HE CHA L L E NG E

36,405 FOX

& ROACH

properties sold in 2021

16.58

B I L L I ON

fox & roach total sales volume in 2021

B R OK E R A G E I N A ME R I C A

homeservices of america, total homes sold

BROKER

fox & roach ranking in berkshire hathaway homeservices’ national network

OF EVERY SIX

real estate transactions in the region

E V E R Y T H I NG YOU NE E D T O DO I T R IG H T .

TO OUR S A L E S PROFESSIONALS H E PA S T T W O Y E A R S have been anything but typical. I want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts, and how impressed I am with how you continue to make your clients’ homeownership dreams come true. And a special shout-out to your families and friends who support you and encourage your success. I also want to thank you for your commitment to our company. I am—the entire company is—here to support you so you can continue to achieve all of your goals and dreams. As we embark on the third year of this pandemic, I wish you all the best professionally and personally. Our company’s success is only possible because of your success. Thank you!

LARRY FLICK V

Chief Executive Officer

OUR C O M PA N Y ’ S SUCCESS I S O N LY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF YOUR SUCCESS.

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

spring

CLEANING More Than a REALTOR® Your Trusted Advisor.

BY MINDY TORAN

Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results. THE

CALL OR TEXT D’Arcy FOR A BUYER OR SELLER CONSULTATION

CELL 609.330.1940

(856) 234-0011 123 Chester Ave Moorestown, NJ 08057

s the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the desire for a fresh start leads many of us to begin our spring cleaning rituals. Whether you’re looking to clear out your clutter or get your yard ready for summer barbeques, spring is the perfect time to get started. “Coming out of winter and moving into spring, it’s like we’re coming out of hibernation,” says Nicole Ventrella, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Moorestown. “Spring gives us an opportunity to look at our homes with fresh please see CLEANING, page 19

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Lock in today’s interest rate before they go up! 7th LEVEL MORTGAGE

Lock N Shop Program

CLEANING

• No Property or Sales Contract needed • 90 day lock Guaranteed • No upfront costs or fees

continued from page 18

eyes and a sense of renewal.” When preparing for spring cleaning projects, Ventrella recommends looking at your home from the outside in. “You most likely haven’t looked at your outdoor spaces since your last fall cleanup,” she says. “Sweep away any lingering leaves from flower beds, gardens and under bushes. Look for signs of staining on the outside of your home from the long winter, especially on the north side of your home, which receives the least please see CLEANING, page 22

Residential Purchase? Call Anthony Today!

858-213-0435 331 White Horse Pike 2nd Floor Atco, NJ 08004

856-322-0233 ext 101 | 7thlvl.com mortgagenewschannel.com

NMLS# 1003861 Licensed by the New Jersey Dept of Banking and Insurance NY NJ PA DE MD VA SC GA FL TN TX CO OH DC OK MN and IL All loans arranged through third party lenders. Equal Opportunity Lender and Employer

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

How Big of a Difference Do

EXTERIOR UPGRADES Really Make in the Resale Value of a Home?

BY CHRIS ISAAC

M O O R E S T O W N

Real Estate Mortgages Closing Services Insurance

SPRING A time for new beginnings! Are you ready to plant new roots?

Michelle Arnold Broker Associate

Cell 609-346-7865

michellesellshomes@comcast.net

Let’s explore the possibilities Silver

2021 Level

Circle of Excellence Sales Award®

202 W. Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-235-1950

f you think you might be selling your house soon, you might have wondered how much you should focus on the outside. Common platitudes can be used to argue both for and against worrying about the exterior. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” because buyers will care most about the inside. But then everyone also always talks about “curb appeal” and the importance of first impressions. So which is it? A few different experts on the topic have shared their insight to help you make an informed decision. First is Kim Spence, who has twelve years of experience working in commercial real estate and became a part of Lenny Vermaat & Leonard Realtors in Haddonfield in 2021. Spence explains how she feels about what homeowners present outside of their home and describes how it can be a reflection of their regard for the house overall. “If a home has good curb appeal, that can reflect how well the owners take care of their house both inside and out,” she said. “Plus, a lot of buyers go online when they start their home buying process and if the house looks good from the outside it will catch their eye and please see UPGRADES, page 21

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

UPGRADES

continued from page 20

they’ll want to see the inside as well.” Spence goes on to explain how, in her experience, recent world events have also made people even more predisposed towards placing a lot of value on the exterior of their homes. “I think people value their outdoor space more since the pandemic. People want to be outside and entertain guests. So homes with decks, patios, pools are definitely a plus and add value to the home.” It is not just real estate agents who have noticed the trend of people wanting to get more outside time ever since COVID became a part of life, Joseph Campellone is the owner of Impact Landscapes in Pitman, and says he has noticed that in the years since COVID, it has doubled what people were looking to spend on outdoor projects at their home. He says that pre-COVID, customers would average around three to five thousand dollars. Now, he says it is closer to a range of seven to ten thousand.

tion. “We are all facing new challenges and have made significant adjustments to our daily lives. Many of you have been spending more time at home than ever and have been investing effort in improving your outdoor living spaces.”

However, the trend in all these statements is that the current homeowners are making outdoor improvements for their own enjoyment. While everyone mentioned has noted that such work

adds value to the home, Spence does caution that she would not recommend making significant improvements just to

prepare for listing the home. She says make repairs, certainly, but do not go much further beyond that. In fact, she says the limited home availability right now actually makes buyers more willing to buy properties as is. “In today’s market I wouldn’t recomplease see UPGRADES, page 26

Touching on what that money is specifically going towards, Campellone said, “I would say mainly having drainage issues repaired, because people are using their backyards more than ever. It’s insane actually.” Jake King is another who can attest to how much more emphasis people are placing on the surroundings of their home. King runs J&L Amish Depot in Eastampton Township, a furniture and structure business which has been in operation since 1993, but did not become a fully standalone store until 2017. Obviously, this unknowingly positioned the store to soon encounter a totally new environment from COVID. Like Spence and Campellone, King has also recounted how current conditions actually created a boom. “We have seen a significant increase in demand for outdoor furniture, sheds and decorative structures as our customers have embarked on missions of home improvement,” King had said previously when discussing that initial adjustment period. He had also added how external improvements were where many customers seemed to be fixing their atten-

Distinctive Residential Design

Custom Homes and Extensive Remodels

856.795.4550

www.wagnerarchitect.com | www.haddonfieldarchitect.com

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

CLEANING

continued from page 19

amount of sun. Power wash walls and clean and wipe down exterior windows and doors. Look at your chimney, roof and gutters to see if any areas are in need of repair.” It’s also important to have your HVAC system serviced before it becomes an emergency in the heat of the summer.

Sales Associate, Realtor Licensed in NJ & PA dflanaganrealestate@gmail.com 609-304-6009 cell 856-428-2600 office

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

41 South Haddon Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033

“Your home is one of your biggest investments,” says Ventrella. “It’s important to do these check-ups every season to assess the health of your home and address any issues before they become a problem.” When it comes to the inside of your home, getting organized and clearing out clutter is key. “The more stuff you have, the more difficult it is to manage,” says Maureen D’Admao, owner of Simply Sorted, a professional home and living organization firm based in Cherry Hill. “When you’re refreshing a space for a new season you need to look past the clutter and envision what you want your space please see CLEANING, page 23

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

CLEANING

continued from page 22

to look like. Think creatively about how you can reuse items you already have in your home and start out small.” D’Adamo recommends focusing on one area at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed.

AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW

“The easiest place to start is to clean up surface clutter and throw out things that are no longer useful to you,” she says. “Identify things you use on a regular basis and determine where you can keep these items, such as baskets and storage bins, hang keys on ‘Command’ hooks near the front door and put hats, gloves and jackets away in the closet. Tackle small organization projects while you’re on the phone or listening to music or a podcast so you’re not fixated on whether you should throw out or keep items as you go along.” Getting organized can also save you time and money. “When you know what you have you don’t have to spend money to purchase these items again because you can’t find them around the house,” says D’Admao. “You also won’t waste time when you know where to look for items when you need them. Make a list of what you’d like to accomplish for each area of your home to help get you motivated.” Refreshing your space doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Repurposing items you already have in your home can give it a new, updated look. “Swap out throw pillows and blankets throughout the seasons, put towels and linens in colorful storage bins, move items around in your home from one room to another to bring new life and color into your spaces,” suggests D’Adamo. “In addition, you can use items you already have, like decorative bowls to display fruit or arranging books on their side to create a base to showcase an item such as a vase. Swap out family photos and use them to showcase different seasons. The possibilities are endless to bring a meaningful and personal touch to your space.” Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore we dread. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to give our homes a much needed facelift and once again create a space we can be proud of and enjoy. ■

Benjamin L. Dash, Esq.

Mary W. Chatten, Esq.

REAL ESTATE & BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS & LITIGATION SHORT SALES & FORECLOSURES EMPLOYMENT MATTERS OUTSIDE GENERAL COUNSEL SERVICE

Super Lawyers is a registered trademark of Key Professionals Media. Inc.

39 East Main Street | Moorestown, NJ 08057 T: 856.235.8300 | F: 856.235.2622 | www.dashlawllp.com

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

How to make your

BACKYARD an

Oasis

KIMBERLY (WILSON) SPENCE

Trust me to guide you from start to finish with your buying and selling process!

Ninety Tanner Street Haddonfield, New Jersey

www.kimspence.com Cell: 856-419-8082 • Office: 856-428-9677 X249 • kspence@lvlrealtors.com

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

yard home.

BY MACKENZIE FITCHETT

pring is here and that backyard is looking worse for wear after the cold winter months. For those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work, there are many things that will help turn the yard into a livable and enjoyable space. With the population of honey bees and native ones dying out at alarming rates, these striped superheroes are searching every yard for a pollinator garden or apiary to call home. “I feel like the pollinator garden is a positive thing to have,” said Lou “Eloise” Naylor, chairman of the Eastern Apicultural Society, largest nonprofit beekeeping organization in the country and owner of Moorestown HoneyWorks. “I think it will also help kids learn about nature and learn to enjoy it by participating in gardening.” Apiaries are the more difficult and time consuming option when it comes to homeowners having a hand in saving the bees. To acquire an apiary, individuals must earn their certification and invest time and money into their bee’s back-

“New Jersey has regulations about apiaries and you would need to begin by taking a course in beekeeping,” said Naylor. “You can go to the NJ Beekeepers Association online and it has a listing of places where you can take classes … There is a significant amount you need to invest, there is a learning curve and you want to make sure you have a good relationship with your neighbors.” For those who might be weary about beekeeping but are still interested in helping out, pollinator gardens can also be planted anywhere on the property. When creating the garden, many different types of plants are acceptable, but pesticides are not. “You should also use less pesticides in the garden because it is better for everyone, including children that are playing out there,” said Naylor. “Doing things for native bees is important and there are a lot of resources online for how to encourage the native bee population … Bees also don’t like just one kind of plant, if they are coming to your garden they want as much as they can get.” please see OASIS, page 28

SPRING ISCALL THE COMING! CAPTAIN!

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • YEAR-ROUND SERVICE • FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES

24/7 TREE EXPERTS LOT CLEARING • STUMP REMOVAL • COMPETITIVE RATES • COMPLETE TREE CARE PROFESSIONAL PRUNING • BUCKET & CRANE SERVICE • PAVERS & CONCRETE HARDSCAPING

200 OFF

NM-00490564

Any Job of $2,200 or more

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expiration 6/30/22.

$100 Any$850Joborof OFF more

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of estimate. Expiration 6/30/22.

CAPTAIN’S TREE SERVICE

Serving Burlington, Camden and Gloucester County

856-796-3536

WWW.CAPTAINSTREESERVICELLC.COM LIC#13VH08823900 NJTC768356

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

UPGRADES

Clarke Says...

continued from page 21

Let Denise Walsh find you a backyard that will make your

Dog Happy!

mend putting money into a new roof, windows or siding if they’re planning on selling,” said Spence. “There’s not enough inventory right now, houses are going quickly and those are things the buyer can invest in down the line.” In fact, Spence warns that adding some amenities could even be detractors depending on the buyer. You might think everyone would enjoy a pool, but the buyer might just be picturing all the upkeep for a feature that they don’t see as a selling point.

Silver

2021 Level

Circle of Excellence Sales Award

Denise Walsh

Sales Associate C: 856.685.3650 denisewalsh23@weichert.com www.denise-walsh.weichert.com NM-00490066

202 W. Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-235-1950

Overall, the consensus seems to be that you should certainly invest into the exterior of your home, but do it because that is what you want. Tacking on some big project in the months leading up to selling might not have the payoff you hope for in terms of getting higher offers. The experts say if you really want to make a strong impression, prioritize the maintenance, repairs and aesthetics for the exterior. As Campellone put it, “A general clean cut property will always be rockin’ and rollin’.” ■

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

Property Damage? Call Joe First!

Free Consultations No Recovery - No Fee Call Today: 609.451.5660 (New Jersey) 570.880.0750 (Pennsylvania)

Professional Representation for Property Claims: • Fire • Vandalism • Smoke • Sewer Back-up • Windstorm • Lightning • Water • Roof Leak • Pipe Break • Hurricane • Heater Malfunction • Weight of Ice & Snow • Toilet/Tub Overflow Residential & Commercial NM-00488913

NOW HIRING! Come be part of a great team. - ACCOUNT MANAGERS - MARKETING CONSULTANTS - FREELANCE WRITERS Newspaper Media Group is seeking creative, analytical and outgoing individuals to join our team. Please send your resume to areyes@newspapermediagroup.com

Joseph R. Moore Jr. Public Adjusters, LLC Property Claim Experts JoeMoorePublicAdjusters.com Licensed & Bonded in New Jersey & Pennsylvania

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

OASIS

continued from page 25

Naylor also suggests the planting of native trees, which provide more sap and pollen than any individually grown plants. Some of the smaller trees that might be easier for homeowners to maintain include the native redbud and a linden tree. She expressed that the native NJ plants are not only good for the environment and the bees, but they are easier to maintain than non-native or invasive plants. The native plants require less watering and less maintenance. Another low-maintenance addition to the backyard included a raised bed garden. These square patches of garden are created by building a small box with any kind of material and filling it with the proper soil and nutrients to help your plants grow. Most of the gardens are used for the growing of vegetables and cutting flowers.

‘Be the first to know when a house is listed in your desired area by contacting Louise’ EVERY MINUTE COUNTS.

Louise Capri

BROKER ASSOCIATE Bus: 856-665-1250 Fax: 856-482-5645

Cell: 609-234-0881

lcaprisellshomes@aol.com 500 E Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052

“The beds are made out of different types of materials but instead of digging a plot out of your land, it is a square box,” said Beth Perkins, owner of Haines Farm and Garden in Cinnaminson. “You can fill it with the soil you need and amend it and plant in those boxes instead of a big plot of land … It is easy to maintain, weeding is easier and it does not take up as much space in your yard.” Other than these low-maintenance gardens, Perkins suggests container planting along with adding plants or shrubs. And not all backyard accents need to require a green thumb. Add landscaping tools like retaining walls and boulders to pique visual interest. “Adding any type of planting to your yard, whether it is a full landscape or not, can be for the visual interest in a front yard or simply for the pleasure,” said Perkins. “A lot of people find pleasure in plants whether it is flowers in containers making it a little easier versus digging up areas of your lawn.” Another backyard investment that can combine all of the aspects mentioned above includes a properly constructed koi pond. Ponds are not just for the homeowners or fish, they are a tool that can be used to create a different type of garden, one where the plants thrive in the water. “First thing is some kind of a layout or a plan, you can’t just start digging,” said please see OASIS, page 30

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

OASIS

continued from page 28

Voted #1 Best Class

Mention The Sun and Get the Best Price Guaranteed

2019

When it comes to adding the animals, both goldfish and koi are viable options. But there are stipulations that come with each. The koi need a large amount of space to grow and thrive, where goldfish can thrive in a smaller area but reproduce at a much faster rate.

Financing Available

Although Koi ponds are also a big investment and can put a small dent in homeowners pockets, the results are well worth it.

HOUR

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP, SPECIALIZING IN

Shingle • Flat Roof • Metal Roofs New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Roof Repairs Masonry Restoration • Chimney Repairs Emergency Service Siding • Windows • Doors

Call Today! 856-882-8421 SIDING & WINDOWS

We’ve Got Your World Covered A DIVISION OF WORLD CONSTRUCTION NJ LLC

NM-00490221

Jeff Thomas, “The Pond Guy at Haines Farm and Garden”. “Go online and look at pictures to find what you want to achieve, that is really the first thing … Most people put in fish but it is also a water garden and it is about water plants like Pickerel Rush, Cattails and Cardinal flowers as well as fish.”

Owner Operated for 20 Years Fully Insured & Licensed #13VH11028100

“That is my peace spot, it really is,” said Thomas. “It is where I want to spend time in my yard. It is the spot where I want to be, fish are calming and the sound is calming. It is a wonderful thing.”

Get Two Legitimate Estimates …and we guarantee the lowest price

So while the sun is out and air is warm, homeowners should be looking at the best ways to make the most of their yard. Whether it is a small garden that can add color and help save the bees or a pond that welcomes fish and water plants, there is something for everyone to invest in. ■

SOUTH JERSEY REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022

NJAR Circle of Excellence PLATINUM Award 2020, 2018 2017-15,2012 GOLD Award 2021, 2019, 2014, 2013 Direct 856-795-4709 Cell 856-261-5113 akoonsbhhs@gmail.com www.annekoonsrealestate.com 1401 Route 70 E., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

ANNE E. KOONS ACCREDITED LUXURY HOME SPECIALIST Licensed in NJ & PA

Sold Cherry Hill/Sienna Professionally landscape grounds surround this beautiful home on a cul-de-sac in the Sienna subdivision. This lovely home has 6 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, full finished bsmt with hardwood floors, full bath and bedroom. The gorgeous backyard gives you a resort like living with a large saltwater pool with custom glass tiles all around surrounded by Travertine. There is a pool house with a full bathroom, kitchen and 2 beds in the upstairs loft. There is a large trex deck off the back of the house which is great for entertaining and a trex fence surrounds the whole property for total privacy. There is a 3 car side garage, paver driveway and walkway to the front door. A new front door ensemble awaits you, 9ft. Ceilings, 1st floor home office with built-ins, 1st floor mother-in-law suite with its own separate entrance. A large kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and large walk-in pantry. Hardwood floors throughout the first floor, large dining and living rooms that lead out to the trex deck which is great for entertaining. Mstr Suite has a newer Mstr bathroom and newer custom closet and sitting area. 3 additional bedrooms and 2 full baths plus a large laundry room finish the second level. Newer 3 zone heat/air. Realistically priced at $849,900

Pending Cherry Hill Lovely 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home for rent that was completely redone thru out located on a Cul-de-sac street. Newer kitchen , newer appliances, newer floors, upstairs newer carpet throughout, newer bathrooms and newer light fixtures. Outside patio and private yard. Rent for $4,100

Cherry Hill/ Voken Tract Build your custom Dream home on 3.12 acres of wooded splendor located in the Voken Tract! Current ranch needs total redo including a new septic. Buyer responsible for any repairs for co or certifications for closing. Selling strictly as-is, owner never lived in the ranch. This neighborhood offers exclusivity and seclusion surrounded by multi million dollar homes. Realistically priced at $530,000

Sold in a Day Moorestown/Tom Brown Road 5+ acres private property to build your dream home in the prestigious town of Moorestown, plenty of room for a pool, can build over a 6,000 Square foot home, level piece of ground and a great investment. Realistically priced at….$999,900

Medford Beautiful townhome in Governors Walk in Medford with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1 car garage and basement, this unit has been totally upgraded over the last few years. This light filled townhome has a newer roof, trex deck, powder room, a/c and heater, pella windows, window treatments, painted thru out, water heater and upgraded 2 full baths and professional landscape grounds. Hardwood floors thru out most of the first floor with a 2 -story ceiling in the family room with marble gas fireplace with wood surround and 2 stories of windows bringing in tons of natural light. Upgraded kitchen with granite countertops and newer stainless-steel appliances, ceramic tile floor and a breakfast area that leads you out to the newer trex deck. Large backyard with privacy fencing between neighbors. Upstairs you will find newer carpet thru out, 2nd floor laundry room, good size primary bedroom with 2 walk-in closets along with the primary bathroom with newer granite countertops, newer sinks & faucets, along with a newer Realistically priced at 344,900

The world according to STEVEN, NI-

Sold Cherry Hill This unique contemporary home has 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bath. The foyer features Marble floors & custom carved front double doors. The over -sized living room has a step down fireplace area with marble hearth, custom carpet and sliders leading to the professionally landscaped back yard. The large eat in kitchen has granite counter-tops, custom glass back-splash, ceramic floors, center island, and the breakfast areas has cathedral windows. The master bedroom suite offers 3 large walk-in closets, custom marble bath. The finished basement has 10ft ceilings and 2 entertainment rooms. The back yard offers a Gunite salt water pool with water-fall, and professionally landscaped. Newer roof, heaters and air condition. Realistically priced at $530,000

COLE & JOSH…..

Now more than ever, EXPERIENCE counts… that is why you need to call our Aunt Anne because she has

the EXPERIENCE, COMMITMENT, PASSION & KNOWLEDGE to help you in selling or buying a home For all your Real Estate Needs, give our Aunt Anne a call today at 856-795-4709 A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC