The Beautiful Victorian Home

The Beautiful Victorian Home

Architecture doesn’t merely add beauty and interest to its surroundings; it also provides beholders with a window into the past. A home’s design speaks volumes about the lifestyles of those for whom it was built. Just as contemporary style homes speak to our desire to lead informal, convenient lives, Victorian homes have a story to share about their former owners.

Carol Calamari, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, discusses the history and traits of these beautiful homes from yesteryear.

Carol says, “The Victorian era was a time of rapid change. Technologies were advancing, and the middle class was growing larger and wealthier. Victorians built their homes to reflect the new world and show off their new affluence.”  So, what are Victorian homes actually like? Learn about the history and features of Victorian houses and see if purchasing one is right for you.

What Is A Victorian Home?

A Victorian home is not a single style of architecture so much as it’s a representation of a specific era. Homes built between 1840 and 1900 are called Victorian and while they’re known for their colorful, ornate facades, there’s a broad range in architectural features present in each of the different types of houses that comprise the Victorian style. These styles include Gothic Revival, Italianate, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Eastlake.

Why Are They Called Victorian Houses?

Victorian houses were very much a product of their time. Although they were named after Queen Victoria, their intricate and romantic architecture can be directly attributed to the burgeoning Industrial Revolution, which brought with it a love for using the latest materials and technologies to build homes unique to that time period.  Mass production, steam-driven sawmills, and new transportation methods gave architects and builders a sense of design freedom they had never experienced.

Unfortunately, this over-the-top style quickly fell from favor with the emergence of the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. Arts and Crafts stalwarts preached simplicity in design and hand craftsmanship.

Characteristics of a Queen Anne Victorian

One of the most recognizable or popular Victorian style is the Queen Anne. The Queen Anne style has an asymmetrical overall shape that includes a steeply pitched irregular roof that often has multiple intersecting gables.

The houses have a lot of decorative detailing, such as classical columns, elaborate brackets, half-timbering, patterned shingles, spandrel panels, spectacular chimneys and vergeboard (decorative wood edging).

Queen Anne homes were highly individual, with no two the same. Common characteristics of Victorian houses include:

·         A variety of colors and textures used throughout the entire house

·         Porches (frequently wrap-around) and balconies with decorative trim (called spindlework)

·         Octagonal or circular towers or turrets

·         Large, projecting bay windows that were often highly decorative

·         Entry doors with a large glass panel in the upper part of the door

·         Exteriors were typically wood, but also often included patterned brick or stone, clapboard, slate, stucco and terra cotta panels

Carol adds, “If you are toying with the idea of purchasing a Victorian home, you should be aware of the history and characteristics of this beloved architectural style. Committing to a Victorian means you will be part of the romance and history of a by-gone era.”

And Carol would know the significance of these style homes. Carol is an active member of the Rutherford Historic Preservation Committee since January 2018 and has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is certified for her educational outreach, centering on the preservation and restoration of historic properties.  Having achieved this designation makes her familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, highlighting both high-style and vernacular buildings ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate row houses to modest Queen Anne cottages as well as bungalows. For more information on these style homes, contact Carol Calamari, at 201.939.7500.

55⁺ Adult Community Living

For those home-shoppers who may be nearing the age of retirement, the idea of living in a 55⁺ community might seem appealing. An active adult community, alternatively referred to as 55⁺, will have its differences when compared to your other neighborhoods — one of those being age limitations.

So, before you buy into one of these communities near you, take note of some key things about living in an active adult community. Joana Iliescu, Sales Associate for ERA Justin Realty, says, “Most 55⁺ aged people are still very vivacious and very active and athletic and want to do fun things and would like to continue doing these activities well into retirement”. She shares the benefits of living in this type of community and why not all are alike in what they offer.

Why Choose a 55⁺ Community?

While many of those who seek out a 55⁺ community are not retired, many are empty-nesters who are at a stage where they want to downsize or simply want less home maintenance to deal with. Many 55⁺ new home communities also feature the latest amenities. Walking trails, concierge services and even community gardens are a few examples.

Common amenities include community pools and lawn maintenance, so residents can have a nice yard without having to work so hard on keeping it that way. Fitness centers are also popular attractions, as residents can stay active and fit, without the hassle of a gym membership.

Age Requirements and Restrictions

Of course, the first thing you’ll want to consider are those age restrictions. While many active adult communities will have age limits set at 55 years, others may be higher, lower or have none at all.

Most communities will have an association with by-laws with restrictions. Joana adds “For example, some restrictions may include the number of occupants living in the dwelling, access of amenities for non-residents, or customization of the home itself”. 

Lifestyle Evaluations

You’ll want to consider if the active adult lifestyle truly fits your needs at this stage in your life. There are differing levels of maintenance that residents choose to adopt when moving into an age-qualified segment. “You should consider not only your current needs, but think of long-term needs as you age-in-place,” Joana states. This would include floorplan layout as well as sense of community. 

A close-knit community of neighbors in the same life stage, coupled with a community with lots of activities and security, makes a 55⁺ community an attractive option for homebuyers ready to start the next chapter of their life.

To help you get started looking for your next community, contact Joana Iliescu or any of our experienced ERA Justin Realty Sales Associates at (201) 939-7500.

BUYING AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS

BUYING AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS

When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you. Peggy McLaughlin, Broker Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty provides an overview of what HOAs are and whether or not they are the type of property for you.

What is An HOA?

A Homeowners Association is a nonprofit organization, made up of a leadership team or board of directors that makes and enforces rules for multiple-unit buildings like condominiums and townhouses and planned communities of single-family homes. These members are elected by residents and meet regularly to review community affairs. 

If you buy a property with an HOA, you’ll be required to join its homeowners association. As a member of the homeowners association, you agree to abide by the HOA’s rules and regulations, which are designed to keep your community safe, clean, and visually cohesive and appealing, and to pay dues, known as HOA fees. An HOA will usually have its rules in a document called a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R).

But all homeowners associations aren’t the same in services or cost. Peggy says, “Fees can differ even within a development, due to variations in square footage, location, and orientation, all of which can affect how much upkeep and maintenance the property requires. Thus, the more features included in the community, the more you’ll pay in HOA fees.”

Condominium HOAs

A condominium is like an apartment you own. You own the interior of your property, but the HOA owns the exterior and all common areas. 

Condo HOAs tend to have the most restrictive rules—covering everything from where you park to what color your window treatments can be, to whether or not (and what type) of holiday decorations you can display in your front windows or entryways. The HOA can also manage any fitness centers, swimming pools, parking garages and storage units. 

 

Townhouse HOAs

Townhouse HOAs usually provide the same types of features and amenities that condo HOAs do, but they’re typically not as restrictive. Because you also own the exterior of your townhouse, you have a little more control over what you can do with it. While there may be rules about what types of landscaping you can have and what color your mailbox is, you can usually put up Christmas lights without having to fill out two or three forms. Your townhouse community may also include a pool, clubhouse and fitness center, and the HOA will manage those.

Single-family residence HOAs

Single-family residence HOAs generally cover common areas such as neighborhood parks, green spaces, sidewalks, and swimming pools. Homeowners are responsible for their own home and yard maintenance.

It is important to know the type of HOA you are entering before committing long-term. Peggy continues “My advice would be to carefully read over the rules and understand the restrictions. New homeowners can get caught up on wanting a particular home that they glance at or overlook some restrictions that may not readily impact them when they move in. They need to consider future implications such as outdoor holiday decorations or whether or not they can own a pet.”

When you’re looking at a potential property to buy, it’s important to have an experienced professional, such as Peggy McLaughin, who can help you understand the neighborhood’s HOA structure and fees. To help you find your next home, contact any one of our ERA Justin Realty Sales Associates at 201.939.7500. ERA Justin Realty has sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor, based on statistics from NJMLS. We are located at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue in Rutherford.

Remodeling Or Renovating For Resale

 

Remodeling Or Renovating For Resale

 

If you're like most Americans, your home is probably your biggest investment. You want that investment to perform as well as possible, so if you think you may sell your home some time soon, it makes sense to do as much as you can to boost its value.

 

Depending upon your situation, this can mean doing some home renovations so your house becomes more attractive to potential buyers.

 

But, while upgrades can boost your home price and help your home sell faster, remodeling and renovating your home can be a huge expense and not all renovations have an equal impact on what your home is worth. To ensure you're making renovations that will actually pay off, Jennifer Zenquis, Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares her thoughts on some upgrades that give you the most bang for your buck.  

 

Improving Home Efficiency

While most homeowners think upgrades that improve the look of their home will pay off, improving your home's efficiency may actually make a bigger difference.  In fact, homeowners can recoup a large amount of the costs of attic insulation. And attic insulation is just one of many upgrades that improve efficiency.  In addition, upgrading HVAC, water heaters, and windows will cost less than solar panels and are more likely to provide a positive return on investment when the time comes to sell.

 

Exterior Improvements

We’ve all heard it before: You only get one chance to make a first impression [when a buyer pulls up to your home]. Zenquis agrees, “I can’t tell you how many buyers don’t even want to make an appointment to see a home if the exterior isn’t what they were looking for. Something as simple as powerwashing and adding a few shrubs, mulch, and potted plants can do wonders at minimal cost.”

 

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Remodel

Most experts agree a kitchen is key to improving a home's value and Jennifer advises that if a seller has only enough money to renovate one room, the kitchen is the room to pick. “Kitchens are the focal point of almost every home showing and when buying a home, people will overlook a lot, but an old or run-down kitchen could hurt the resale value.”

 

You don't have to spend a fortune to make a big improvement in your kitchen. A minor face-lift for your kitchen could include painting cabinets or getting new cabinet doors, installing new appliances, upgrading countertops, or switching out cabinet hardware. Even minor kitchen updates consistently outperform bathroom projects, regardless of cost and make it easier for a buyer to want to purchase your home.

 

Bathroom remodel

If your bathrooms are outdated, this is another room where updates could make a big impact. “Next to kitchens, bathrooms are the number two selling point in most homes. Consider re-grouting tile; removing and replacing caulk around the shower, tub, and toilet areas; and possibly replacing the toilet for a more efficient and modern look. Replacing mirrors and fixtures will also go a long way to improve the look and feel of the bathrooms.

 

A new coat of paint

One of the cheapest updates you can make also has one of the best returns on your investment: painting your home's interior. This is a must in Jennifer’s book. “It cannot be underestimated the affect a clean coat of new paint has on a property. Most sellers don’t realize how much abuse walls take during the years they live in the home. Be sure to select light or neutral colors to lighten the room and instantly make a space feel fresh and clean.

 

Ultimately, working with an experienced realtor like Jennifer can help you to decide what upgrades it makes sense to invest in so your home meets the expectations of buyers in this market.

 

With the at-home orders lifted, more buyers will be out in full-force, attending Open Houses on the weekends. We know because we have many buyers looking for their dream home! If you are ready to sell your home, ERA Justin is here to help. Contact Jennifer, or any of our experienced ERA Justin Sales Associates to help you decide what upgrades or updates will add value and appeal to buyers. ERA Justin Realty has sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor, based on statistics from NJMLS. We are located at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue in Rutherford. 

 

Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

While most of us are spending more time at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a good chance to take care of our homes. Just like an automobile needs regular maintenance to keep it running well and prevent major problems, a home also needs regular attention.

Monika Aptacy, Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares some DIY tasks you can do to keep expensive repair costs down and prolong the life of your home.

Clean Away Dirt From Refrigerator Coils

Most refrigerators have a series of coils that are located either near the bottom or along the back of the refrigerator. If the coils become clogged, it can cause some serious troubles and can cause the machine to stop working completely. Vacuum to clean off the coils twice a year to keep them clean and working efficiently.

Get Rid of Sediment in The Water Heater

The water that pumps through a water heater contains sediment. Over time, the sediment can build up at the bottom of the heater and can form a hot spot, causing the water heater to fail. This can be avoided by simply removing the sediment once a year. 

Clean The Dryer Vent

The accumulation of the lint can clog up the entire dryer vent and lead to a fire. To clean out the duct, simply disconnect it from the dryer and use a vacuum to remove the lint. A flapper can be easily cleaned with a paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner.

 

Check For Water Around The Base of Toilets

The presence of water in the wrong places can be a sign of major issues, like a worn toilet seal. Look for puddles of water around the base of all toilets at least once every other month.

If you spot any presence of water, ask a plumber to inspect before the issue becomes too serious.

Keep The Gutters Clean

While gutters seem to go unnoticed, they have a major responsibility to collect water and push it away from the home’s foundation. This keeps the foundation strong and allows the home to withstand the elements. Faulty gutters can lead to serious foundational problems that are extremely expensive to repair. Keep them debris free and ensure all are properly attached to the house. 

Avoid Drafts From Windows And Doors

Faulty windows and doors can allow too much air in from the outside. It can also allow too much heat from the home to escape during winter months and the cool air during hotter temperatures. Inspect the caulk around the windows once a year and reapply where needed. Apply new weatherstripping around doors to make them air-tight.

Test Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A smoke detector, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, can save your life. Make sure the equipment is ready to do its job by performing regular tests. Every month do a test on the detectors to see if they are working properly. Replace the batteries every 6 months, without fail.

 

Clean Out Sink Drains

Exposing your plumbing drains to harsh chemicals can lead to wear and tear over time. While the chemicals are good for getting rid of a clog, a better alternative is to routinely flush out the drains with natural ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar are the safe choice. Flush with hot water once it sits for a few minutes.

By setting up a schedule to handle these tasks periodically, you can maintain the function of your home and continue to enjoy your biggest asset. 

If you are looking for real estate buying or selling tips, contact Monika or any of our experienced real estate agents at ERA Justin. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

Downsizing Your Home

It’s not unusual to downsize to a smaller home at one point or another. Whether you’ve decided to eliminate debt from your life, or an empty nester looking for fewer maintenance requirements, or are just simply wanting a small space, one thing is inevitable when it’s time to downsize: You will have to get rid of some of your stuff. This is somewhat bittersweet, but you get a chance to go through all of your belongings and determine what truly needs to make the trip to your new destination in life.

Mary Iannaccone, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, shares some tips for downsizing. “Being an experienced Real Estate Agent for many years, I’ve worked with many families wanting to downsize. I tell them all the same thing: ‘People often look around at everything that's taking up space in their homes and feel discouraged. But if you take it in little bites, downsizing is manageable. Commit to 15 minutes a day for sorting: clean out one drawer in your desk; go through your handbags; toss outdated food and spices in your pantry.” A little bit goes a long way and gives you the motivation to keep going.

List it or Leave it
The first step to downsizing is to make a list of the things you absolutely need. Items that don’t make the cut shouldn’t come to your new house. It is important to do this at least three to four months prior to the move to ensure you have an ample amount of time to go through your items and think about whether or not you need them.

Sort and Sell
Once you have determined the things not coming to your new house, you can start getting rid of them. This can be a difficult task, as your items will have different values and varying degrees of wear and tear. Grab three boxes and label them for selling, donating, or throwing out.

Compare New Rooms with Current Rooms that Have Similar Dimensions
It can be hard to determine how much room you will actually have when downsizing. Get the dimensions of each room in your new house and compare it to rooms in your current house that have similar dimensions. This gives you the opportunity to see what kind of space you’re working with, and more importantly, what furniture will fit in your new downsized home.

De-Clutter Your Kitchenware
If you are an empty nester, there is truly no need for ten mixing bowls and seven spatulas when you move into your new house. Narrow down your bowls, plates, forks, and spoons to reasonable amounts.

Target the Garage
Depending on the kind of home you’re downsizing to, you may not need a lot of the items in the garage. For instance, if your new condo handles lawn maintenance and snow removal, you can get rid of the shovels, lawn mower, and possibly even the ladder. Determine what tasks will be taken over by someone else when you make the move and sell any equipment you no longer need.

Downsizing your home can be an emotional task. "We endow things with meaning. That's why they become important to us. But if everything is important, then nothing is special," says Iannaccone. Try to select just a few prized pieces to use, wear or keep and donate the rest. "Your heart can never be too full, but your house can be," Mary continues. Follow these tips to de-clutter and reorganize your belongings as you head into a new chapter in your life.

To help you downsize to the next property in your life, contact Mary, or any of our experienced real estate agents. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

While many people across the U.S. have traditionally enjoyed the perks of an urban lifestyle, some who live in more populated city limits today are beginning to rethink their current neighborhoods. Sharon Robie and Beth Albanese, Realtor Sales Associates at ERA Justin Realty highlight some reasons for the rise in this shift. “Being in close proximity to everything from the grocery store to local entertainment is definitely a perk, especially if you can also walk to some of these hot spots and have a short commute to work. The trade-off, however, is that highly populated cities can lack access to open space, a yard, and other desirable features,” they state.  These are the kinds of things you may miss when spending a lot of time at home. When it comes to social distancing, as we’ve experienced recently, the newest trend seems to be around re-evaluating a once-desired city lifestyle and trading it for suburban or rural living.

As the economy reopens, the impact on consumer preferences will likely shift buying behavior. Consumers are already looking for larger homes, bigger yards, access to the outdoors and more separation from neighbors. As we move into the recovery stage, these preferences will play an important role in the type of homes consumers will want to buy. They will also play a role in the coming discussions on zoning and urban planning. While higher density has been a hallmark of urban development over the past decade, the pandemic may lead to a re-thinking of space allocation.

Today, moving outside the city limits is also more feasible than ever, especially as Americans have quickly become more accustomed to – and more accepting of – remote work. This trend may continue for the unforeseeable future, while businesses re-evaluate their business models. 

If you have a home you were thinking about selling, you may see an increasing number of buyers looking for a property like yours. Likewise, if you’re thinking of buying to finally leave that City lifestyle, now is the time to consider looking at homes for sale in the burbs. Beth and Sharon, or any of our experience real estate professionals, are here to help make it happen! We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.