The Bergen County Homes Blog

Bergen County has the advantage of being just a short hop across the George Washington Bridge from New York City’s attractions which include world class theater and entertainment.  But did you know that there are wonderful shows and concerts here as well? 

 The Bergen Pac (Bergen Performing Arts Center), located right in downtown Englewood, is where you will enjoy live performances – everything from the New Jersey Symphony to international stars. PAC performances have included Ray Charles, Pink Floyd, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, the Beach Boys and comedians Don Rickles, Bil Cosby and Wanda Sykes just to name a few.

Begen PAC is extremely popular – world class entertainment that’s easy to get to; you don’t have to drive to Manhattan and pay the exorbitant parking fees of NYC garages.  Plus it’s so convenient for a full night out. 

Many people take advantage of the many excellent restaurants in downtown Englewood and then take in the show at Bergen PAC.  When the weather allows, Englewood has a downtown that is filled with people during the evening enjoying dinners, cappucino or just walking up and down Palisade Avenue looking at all the shops.

Bergen County also has many local theater companies including the Garage Theater Group in residence at Fairleigh Dickinson University and very popular community theater groups such as the Bergen County Players and The Player\’s Guild of Leonia. We even have our own opera company - The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera.  

There’s another performing arts center that you can take advantage of  as well; Ramapo College has the Berrie Center for the Performing Arts.  This theater is situated on a beautiful campus and is host to quite a variety of plays, concerts, lectures.  Located in the northern end of Bergen County, it’s convenient for both northern Bergen County residents and folks from Rockland County, NY, too.  

As you can see, theater and the performing arts are very important to people in Bergen County.

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There’s a new website in the internet that’s all about your house – from doing a repair or renovation to tax credits to protecting yourself from a scam artist.  Created by the National Association of Realtors, it’s in beta testing on the web right now but I’ve taken a look at it and, frankly, I’m very impressed.

Go to http://www.HouseLogic.com and take a look yourself.  Buying a house in Bergen County is the start of a long term relationship with your home and your community.  House Logic helps you ”protect, maintain and enhance the value of your home” in so many ways.  I found tips on how to do economical repairs that pay big dividends to how to get tax credits for energy efficient improvements. 

If you aren’t a homeowner and are thinking of buying a home, this site is for you too.  There is so much excellent information about homeownership that you’ll get a great education. 

The site is very detailed about all sorts of things.  For example, House Logic has an entire section on improving your insurance score.  Most people don’t realize how devastating a bad credit score can be.  When I tell my clients that a poor credit rating even affects your insurance premiums they are usually surprised.  Here you will learn how a credit rating affects your homeowner insurance premium.  It’s a fabulous website for consumers.

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Hidden away on a most private setting is this exquisitely charming ranch style home that will captivate you from the moment you step inside.  While only 15 minutes from the George Washington Bridge and New York City, you feel as if you have been transported to the New England woods. 

Decidedly rustic in it’s ambience with it’s heartwood pine and random planks, it’s also a combination of skylights, open space, granite, stainless steel and natural stone plus modern comforts such as central air conditioning.  The many large windows add so much light to the house that you feel one with the natural surroundings and the open floor plan is ideal for entertaining as well as intimate moments when you just want to unwind.

Kitchens are important in all homes and here we have the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern features – there’s even a breakfast bar for a quick cup of coffee or a fast sandwich.

An added plus is both the 2nd floor loft which is ideal for many purposes and the 2 story family room on the main level.

Offered at $869,900 in the storied community of Alpine, New Jersey, you will enjoy years of pleasure in this most uniquely special home that is also an extremely affordable entry into the Alpine community.  Call me at 201-741-8490 for your private viewing.

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Here is a statistical report on the market for River Vale homes from 2007 through 2009.  In looking at the River Vale real estate market data from the New Jersey MLS, you’ll find that while the number of homes sold in 2009 decreased by 21% the depreciation rate was only 3%.  The most active part of the River Vale homes market, $500-650,000, had 10% fewer sales and 2% depreciation.  Fewer sales and less depreciation is the classic pattern of a recovery.

What has been the most difficult part of the market, however, is the $600-800,000 price range but I expect this to change dramatically in 2010.  All in all the market for River Vale homes is definitely improving and should be strong this year. 

 River Vale, NJ – Year to Year Comparison

  Sales Analysis              2007    2008    2009

 $0-400,000                  1          6          7                                 

$400-450,000              7          5          8         

$450-500,000              7          8          6         

$500-550,000              8          8          9

$550-600,000              12        10        11

$600-650,000              14        11        7

$650-700,000              7          8          3

$700-750,000              6          13        2

$750-800,000              7          6          2

$800-850,000              6          2          4

$850-900,000              4          0          3

$900-950,000              3          3          2

$950-1 million               3          1          3

$1-1.25 million              6          3          2

$1.25-1.5 million           3          2          2

$1.5 million+                 1          0          0

Total                             95        86        71 (-21%)

                                           2007                        2008                  2009

Avg. List Price                   $736,837                 $679,288            $657,208

Avg. Sales Price                $708,787                 $647,697           $628,437

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Have a home in Bergen County?  If so, take   advantage of the January thaw this week and get your gutters cleaned if you haven’t already.  After all, it’s still winter; snow and ice will be back soon.

Most of us don’t realize how much damage clogged gutters can do to a house.  Let’s face it – gutters aren’t the most glamorous part of anyone’s home but they’re sure one of the most important.

Gutters keep water away from your home which is critical to maintaining the structure.  When they become clogged with leaves and grit they can do tremendous damage to exterior walls, cause inside wall leaks, start foundation leaks and even help to create the perfect setting for ice dams which seriously damages your roof.  Having a gutter guard system doesn’t eliminate the need for cleaning because while these systems keep out leaves, they don’t stop a grit build up.

Getting your gutters cleaned is one of the least expensive maintenance items and, if you know how, you can do this yourself.  I’m not that adventurous so I always hired someone to do it.  If you’re in Bergen County and need a recommendation, just let me know.

Take advantage of our milder temperatures this week, get your gutters cleaned and avoid thousands in repair bills.

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