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Archive for the 'Ridgewood Real Estate' Category

Ridgewood Real Estate Round Up: June 13th - 19th

June 20th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

Strong Week for Ridgewood Real Estate

house-on-laptop

It was an excellent week in Ridgewood Real Estate.  16 Ridgewood Homes were marked as being under contract or in attorney review while only 6 newly listed homes hit the market.   One of the homes that went into attorney review this week was last week’s Ridgewood Front Porch Home of the Week.

Newly listed Ridgewood homes ranged from a handsome ranch on Doris Place for $462,500 to a wonderful victorian on Prospect for $1,449,000. 

Ridgewood Real Estate Update - June 13th - 19th
To view more detailed info on each home below - click here.

 

New Ridgewood Home Listings
Street Number Street Name # BR’s Style Price
633 DORIS 2 RANCH $462,500
315 WALTHERY 2 RANCH $518,000
273 GLEN 4 COL $545,000
127 HIGHLAND 3 S/L $689,000
241 PROSPECT 5 COL $1,449,000
353 BOGERT 4 COL $809,000
         
Ridgewood Properties in Attorney Review
Street Number Street Name # BR’s Style Price
244 CANTERBURY 3 RANCH $519,000
550 VAN BUREN 3 S/L $529,000
353 BOGERT 4 COL $809,000
314 VESTA 3 C/C $589,000
530 BENNINGTON 3 RANCH $595,000
231 BOGERT 5 COL $665,000
127 HIGHLAND 3 S/L $689,000
328 PEARSALL 3 COL $699,000
164 GRANT 3 COL $799,000
897 HILLCREST 5 COL $799,000
         
Ridgewood Homes Under Contract
Street Number Street Name # BR’s Style Price
485 FRANKLIN 3 COL $594,999
439 HILLCREST 3 COL $649,000
167 PLEASANT 3 C/C $659,000
489 COLONIAL 6 COL $854,900
580 KNOLLWOOD 5 COL $1,150,000
356 GRAYDON 5 COL $1,399,000

The properties in this blog post were listed and sold by various participants of the NJMLS based on information from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for the period of June 13th  through June 19th 2009. 

Ridgewood Home of the Week - 252 E. Glen Avenue

mna

This centrally located, completely renovated Colonial Home sits on an oversized 75×162 lot and is in easy walking distance of schools, downtown, Graydon pool and New York City transportation.  Click here to learn more about this Ridgewood Home.

Related Articles

More Ridgewood Homes Go Under Contract or into Attorney Review…

Ridgewood Home Sales Report - May 29th

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More Ridgewood Homes Go Under Contract or into Attorney Review…

June 14th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

…Than Are Newly Listed.  This is a Good Sign for Ridgewood Real Estate.

ridgewoods-graydon-pool

In the May 30th to June 12th period 18 Ridgewood homes were newly listed for sale but 20Ridgewood properties went under contract or into attorney review in the same time period.  This means Ridgewood is burning off more of what is already a pretty reasonable inventory level.  During the same time period 9 Ridgewood homes closed at an average sale price of $822,511.  There were also 17 homes with price changes during this time period.

Click the links below to see detail info on the Ridgewood Homes listed in each of the categories discussed above.

Ridgewood Homes Under Contract or in Attorney Review

Ridgewood Sold Properties

Ridgewood Price Changes

New Listings in Ridgewood

Ridgewood Home of the Week - 164 Grant Street

164 Grant Street in Ridgewood

 164 Grant Street Virtual Tour
This incredible new home is not quite finished but if you wait until it’s complete (60-90 days from now) there will be someone else’s name on the mailbox. The home is located on one of Ridgewood’s most desirable streets and sits just steps from the prestigious Willard school.  The residence has unquestionable curb appeal with its charming front porch and striking stone and hardie-plank exterior. You’ll love the high ceilings, authentic moldings, open floor plan and the feeling of bright spaciousness.  The home will feature a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and separate breakfast area, large family room with handsome fireplace and coffered ceiling, oversized dining room and impressive master bedroom with 2 walk-in closets and a truly spa-like master bath.  The home will also include 3 full baths on the 2ndfloor, high-quality hardwood floors on both levels, two-car attached garage with carriage doors, stone patio and a finished lower level with office, rec room and full bath.

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Why Choose Aloysius Donohue?

It’s hard to answer this question myself without sounding like a complete blowhard so please click below to see what clients and local newspapers had to say.

Clients Are Saying…

Local Newspapers are Saying…

Click here to see some of my current listings.

The properties in this blog post were listed and sold by various participants of the NJMLS based on information from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for the period of May 23rd through May 29th 2009. 

Posted by Al Donohue | Discussion:No Comments »

Ridgewood Home Sales Report - May 29th

May 31st, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

19  Homes Hit the Ridgewood Real Estate Market between May 23 and May 29

front_of_home

It was another busy week in Ridgewood real estate.  In addition to the all new listings there were also 12 Homes with Price Changes.

There were a total of 19 New Ridgewood Residential listings.  The average price of these newly listed homes was $948,674.

Ridgewood Homes Under Contract  and in Attorney Review - Week Ending 5/29/2009

Under Contract

Street Number Street Name Current Price Bedrooms
286 MAPLE   AVE 474900 5
319 FRANKLIN TPKE 585000 5
47 WALTHERY AVE 679900 3
821 ARROW LN 699000 4
184 KATHERINE RD 799900 3
616 HEIGHTS RD 1399000 5

Attorney Review Period

Street Number Street Name List Price  Bedrooms
220 N PLEASANT AVE 729000 4
372 S IRVING ST 799000 4
191 W END AVE 1299000 5

Ridgewood Homes Sold

Three Ridgewood Homes closed the week ending 5/29/2009. The average sale price was $697,633. Click below to view all 3 homes.

Ridgewood Homes Sold

Related Posts

Weekly Ridgewood Real Estate Report - May 22nd

12 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Ridgewood Home

Top Ten Reasons to Relocate to Ridgewood New Jersey

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Why Choose Aloysius Donohue?

It’s hard to answer this question myself without sounding like a complete blowhard so please click below to see what clients and local newspapers had to say.

Clients Are Saying…

Local Newspapers are Saying…

Click here to see some of my current listings.

The properties in this blog post were listed and sold by various participants of the NJMLS based on information from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for the period of May 23rd through May 29th 2009. 

Posted by Al Donohue | Discussion:No Comments »

12 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Ridgewood Home

May 24th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

Thinking of Buying a Home in Ridgewood?

Here are 2 Ridgewood-Specific home buying mistakes to avoid and below is a document outlining 10 general mistakes to avoid.  Armed with this info you will have a better chance of getting a good deal on your Ridgewood Dream Home.

great_room

1.  Do you really have to be within walking distance of Ridgewood’s Downtown?

Finding a home within walking distance of Ridgewood’s Downtown is at, or near, the top of many buyer’s wish lists.  Being able to walk to town and to the Ridgewood train station is a huge benefit.  That said, before you let this drive your home buying decision be sure to ask yourself “How often will I really walk to town?”

I have found that most buyers, including the one writing this blog, overestimate how much they will walk to town.  I wouldn’t trade my home on Colonial Road for anything.  I love my home and my neighborhood and I have the greatest neighbors in the world.  However, I have to admit that I can count on 2 hands how many times I have actually walked to Ridgewood’s downtown even though I am only a few blocks away.  Yet, being within walking distance of downtown was a “must-have” when I bought my home.

2. Are you looking for a termite-free home?

If so, please keep driving right past the Ridgewood exit.  Don’t let these creepy crawlers scare you away from the charming old Ridgewood Colonial you’ve dreamed about.  Nearly every Ridgewood home inspection I have been involved in has turned up some form of termite damage.   So, if you want that beautiful old Ridgewood Tudor, you are going to have to face down the termite menace.

Don’t get me wrong, termite infestation and/or termite damage are serious issues that cannot be ignored.   However, before you cut and run at the first mention of termites, you should hire a certified wood destroying insect inspector (who also has an exterminator’s license) to assess the termite issue.   If there is existing damage you should also call in a qualified contractor to determine what can be done to fix the damage and what it will cost.  Once you have all facts you can then determine if you should walk away or fix the damage and move forward.

Who should pay to fix the termite damage and/or treat the infestation is a topic for another post…

Click the icon below to view more detail on mistakes #1- #5 and to see mistakes #6 -#10.

1. Chosing the wrong agent.
2. Making an offer without the proper pre-approval.
3. Not knowing ALL the costs involved.
4. Limiting your search to open houses, the Internet, etc.
5. Thinking there is only one perfect home for you.

List is courtesy of Buffini & Co.

Related Posts

Weekly Ridgewood Real Estate Report - May 22nd

Top Ten Reasons to Relocate to Ridgewood New Jersey

Top 5 Tips for International Relocation

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Weekly Ridgewood Real Estate Report - May 22nd

May 23rd, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

Very Busy Week in Ridgewood Real Estate - 13 Ridgewood Properties Go Under Contract

ridgewood-homes-under-contract

It was a very positive week in Ridgewood Real Estate for two reasons.

1.  The number of Ridgewood Homes that went under contract and into attorney review were sharply higher than the week before.
2.  The average price of homes sold increased from $534,498 to $810,222.  Obviously, with the small sample size these numbers jump around from week to week but we are finally starting to see some of the more expensive homes selling whereas earlier in the year it was mainly the starter homes that were moving.

Here’s a brief summary of the week’s activity…

  • 13 Properties went “Under Contract”.
  • 19 New Properties were listed (10 for sale, 9 for rent).
  • 14 Properties were marked as being in “Attorney Review”.
  • 4 Properties were Sold at an average price of $810,222.
  • There were 15 price changes.

Sold Properties

Street Number Street Name Sale Price
953 ANDOVER $ 465,000
362 VAN EMBURGH $ 477,000
24 PHELPS $ 530,000
487 EASTGATE $1,325,000

New “For Sale” Home/Condo Listings

Street Number Street Name Current Price
485 FRANKLIN $ 594,999
346 MONROE $ 639,000
474 LINWOOD $ 720,000
1025 HILLCREST $ 779,000
372 IRVING $ 799,000
333 JEFFERSON $ 1,099,000
456 HEIGHTS $ 1,350,000
80 CREST $ 1,695,000
137 PHELPS $ 2,495,000
374 RIDGEWOOD $ 349,000
“The properties above were listed and sold by various participants of the NJMLS based on information from the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for the period of May 16th through May 22nd.

Related Posts

Top Ten Reasons to Relocate to Ridgewood New Jersey

Home Buyer’s Tax Credit Plus 4 Other Reasons NOW is the Time to Buy a Ridgewood Home

Ridgewood Makes List of Top 10 NJ Housing Markets - Train Station a Big Factor

 

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Top Ten Reasons to Relocate to Ridgewood New Jersey

April 25th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Lists, Ridgewood Real Estate

1.       Ridgewood is the best place in NJ to raise a family.

soccer-game

I say this is because Ridgewood is unique in that it is one of the few affluent towns where residents still get to know their neighbors and really feel a sense of community.  Many other affluent towns are filled with huge McMansions set on large lots where you barely see your neighbors - much less get to know them.  For example, within a week of moving to Ridgewood a neighbor planned a BBQ to introduce us to other neighbors and took note of the ages of our children and made sure to invite families with children of similar ages so our kids could instantly make friends.  Our children have lots friends that are within walking distance and can “cut-through” yards to see these friends. In other towns most interactions with other children involve the complex ritual of setting up “play dates”.

 

2.       Ridgewood Schools are excellent.

Ridgewood High School ranks at or near the top of the state rankings every year for important benchmarks such as SAT scores, percentage of students attending 4-year colleges, etc. but perhaps more importantly the Ridgewood Schools System excels at providing a top-notch education to all types of students from the gifted to the students with learning issues and/or special needs.  Students with special needs are integrated so seamlessly into the general education population, and so many students receive extra help of some sort or another, that the students themselves don’t even make the distinction between special education students and general education students.  Students are students. Period. And that’s the way it should be.

ridgewood-hs 

NJ Monthly Magazine’s List of Top NJ High Schools

Ridgewood School System Website

3.       Ridgewood is a great town for New York City Commuters.

Whether driving, riding the bus or taking the train most Ridgewood residents can walk out their front door and be sitting at their desk in Manhattan in about an hour.

Ridgewood NJ Commuter’s Secret - Manhattan Door-to-Door in Less than an Hour

4.       Ridgewood’s downtown is the best in New Jersey.

Ridgewood truly has a self sufficient downtown that features everything from quaint little shops to high-end chain stores such as Anne Taylor and Lucky Jeans.  And, of course, we have a Starbucks.

5.       Ridgewood has some of the best restaurants in NJ.

Ridgewood restaurants feature everything from fine dining to sandwich shops and everything in between.   My favorites are Marcello’s  and The Office

List of Ridgewood Restuarants

6.       Ridgewood has an incredible Newcomers Club.

The Ridgewood Newcomers Club features dozens of special interest groups and clubs so that new residents not only get to meet other new Ridgewood-ites but they can also be sure to meet folks with similar interests.  This club is very active and features agroups for expats and repats, sports groups, play groups, international groups, and more.

Ridgewood Newcomers Club

7.       You will have more fun in Ridgewood.

There is so much to do in Ridgewood that you really have to pick and choose carefully what to get involved in or you will be busy 24 hours a day.  Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool is a great place to spend a summer day but if you spend the whole day there you may miss some of the great programs at The Stable or the Ridgewood Public Library.

8.       Ridgewood Real Estate.

victorian-home-with-porch

Ridgewood features homes that run the gamut from large newly constructed homes to sprawling brick ranch homes to quaint cape cod style homes .  However, Ridgewood is best known for its charming older Colonials and Victorians - many of which feature incredible architectural details such as stained glass, built-ins, intricate woodwork, and beautiful front porches.

Click Here to See Ridgewood Homes for Sale

9.       Ridgewood is in the center of it all.

Ridgewood is just minutes from the Garden State Parkway, Route 17, Route 4, the New York State Thruway and the New Jersey Turnpike.  Ridgewood also borders Paramus which is the shopping capital of New Jersey with its many malls, outlets and shops.  Not only is Ridgewood convenient to NYC city but you can also be snow skiing at a great resort or surfing at one of New Jersey’s many beaches in less than an hour’s drive.  And don’t forget that the Meadowlands Sports Complex is less than 20 minutes away.

10.   Ridgewood is the perfect town for expats, repats and families moving out of New York City.

Because of many of the points stated above, Ridgewood is the perfect place for folks relocating from large American cities or from abroad.  Many of New Jersey’s quiet suburbs, with no neighbors in sight and no downtown to speak of, can be quite a shock for those used to the culture and excitement of a large city.  However, with its vibrant downtown, active newcomers club, great restaurants and easy access to Manhattan Ridgewood allows folks to ease into suburban life without sacrificing the things they love about city life.

If you would like additional information about Ridgewood or a guided tour or if you would like to see some of our beautiful homes please call me at 201.906.3287.

Aloysius  Donohue is Ridgewood Resident with two young children in the Ridgewood School System, an award winning REALTOR® and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with a focus on Ridgewood real estate.  For more information on Ridgewood real estate you can contact Aloysius Donohue at 201.906.3287 or aldonohue@marrongildea.com

Click here for more information about Ridgewood NJ

All statements contained in this blog post are strictly the opinion of the author (Aloysius Donohue). 

Related Articles:

Ridgewood High School’s Ranking Surges in NJ Monthly’s List of Top New Jersey High Schools

Ridgewood Makes List of Top 10 NJ Housing Markets - Train Station a Big Factor

It’s Time for Savvy Buyers to Snap Up Real Estate in Ridgewood New Jersey.

 

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Click below to view the original article

http://activerain.com/blogsview/439952/Ridgewood-Real-Estate-Top

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Home Buyer’s Tax Credit Plus 4 Other Reasons NOW is the Time to Buy a Ridgewood Home

March 29th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

“There May Never Be A Better Time to Buy a Ridgewood Home”

Since I sell homes for a living you might expect me to say something like this… but if you examine the facts you may find that you agree with me - as much as it may pain you to agree with a REALTOR.

1. If you are a First Time Home Buyer you will get an $8,000 credit toward the purchase of your new home.  See video below for all the details.

 YouTube Preview Image

2. Interest rates are VERY low.

You my not see rates this low again for a very long time - if ever.  Click here to view the latest rates.

3.  Affordability is high.

According to Buffini & Company “The housing affordability index, which measures the ability of an average household to afford a home, has registered favorable numbers for the past several months. This is especially encouraging for first-time homebuyers.”

4. The are lots of Ridgewood Homes to choose from.  

Inventory is relatively high which means there are lots of Ridgewood Homes to choose from and buyers can be more selective than in previous years.

5. The most recent news has been good.


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Ridgewood New Construction in Great Location

February 7th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

Artist Rendering of New Home Being Built on Spring Avenue in Ridgewood - for Under $1 Million

Ridgewood NJ New Home Construction

Ridgewood is a wonderful town known for its charming older homes, its wonderful school system and its bustling downtown.  The overwhelming majority of homes for sale in Ridgewood NJ are “existing homes” and most would probably fall into the aforementioned “charming” and “older” category.   Building lots in Ridgewood are almost non-existent and when a new home is built in Ridgewood many times the price tag is $1 million, $2 million or higher.

So…Ridgewood would seem like a great place for folks looking for old world charm and folks who can afford to pay $1 million+ for a home.   But what about buyers that want to live in Ridgewood and enjoy the schools and the downtown but aren’t into ”old world charm” and don’t have $1 million or more to spend?  Normally, I would say they are out of luck a local builder is about to solve this problem for one lucky family.

A local builder will be constructing a beautiful new home at 625 Spring Avenue in Ridgewood.  See artist rendering above and see below for more details.

Please contact Aloysius Donohue at 201.906.3287 or 201.445.8880 x313 for a copy of the architectural plans or to arrange a meeting with the builder.

This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase top-quality new construction, in Ridgewood NJ, for under $900,000.  If you move quickly there may still be time for you to personalize the home to suit your taste and needs. The home is being built on a large 60 x 222 lot on one of Ridgewood’s most desirable streets.

Neighborhood

  • Home is located within easy walking distance of Somerville Elementary School and Ridgewood High School.
  • Walking distance to New York City transportation.
  • Less than 1 mile to Ridgewood’s famed downtown.
  • Several parks and ball fields within walking distance.

Property and Exterior Highlights

  • 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Colonial Home.
  • Charming wraparound porch.
  • Exterior of home features stone and Dutch Lap vinyl siding.
  • 2 car detached garage.
  • Raised panel exterior shutters.

Kitchen

  • Granite center island.
  • GE Profile stainless steel appliances.
  • Custom maple cabinets.
  • 42″ upper wall cabinets with crown moldings.
  • Granite counters.
  • Double bowl, under mount, stainless steel sink.
  • Moen kitchen faucet.
  • Tile back splash.

Bathrooms

  • Master bath with double vanity, granite counter, stall shower and Jacuzzi Tub.
  • 1st floor powder room with marble floor and custom tile.
  • 2nd floor hall bath features granite counter and imported tile.
  • Koehler plumbing fixtures.
  • Tile work in all bathrooms.

Family Room

  • Huge 20 x 20 room.
  • Heatilator Gas 42″ fireplace with raised hearth andfloor to ceiling stone face.

Master Bedroom Suite

  • Luxurious 18 x 16′-10″ master bedroom suite with tray ceiling.
  • Huge walk-in-closet plus additional double closet.
  • Large spa-like master bath with double vanity with granite counter top.
  • Koehler Jacuzzi tub.
  • Separate glass stall shower with glass door.
  • Marble floor.
  • Over-sized vanity mirror.

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Ridgewood Home Values Increase in 2008

January 29th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

The Median Sales Price of Ridgewood NJ Homes Edged Up 1.8% in 2008 - Despite A Very Difficult Year in Real Estate

According to the New Jersey Multiple Listing Service, the Median Sales Price in Ridgewood NJ rose from $675,500 in 2007 to $687,500 in 2008.  Clearly a modest increase - but an increase nonetheless. 

Median Sales Price is just one way to measure the health of the local real estate market.   The Average Sales Price in Ridgewood actually fell by 2.2% from $827,225 to $809,397.  Regardless of which methodology you favor, I think you can safely say that prices in Ridgewood are relatively stable. Especially when compared to other NJ municipalities and/or other areas of the U.S.

Related Ridgewood Real Estate Articles:

Ridgewood Home Values Rise in 3rd Quarter 2008

Ridgewood Home Prices Rise in 2nd Quarter. Time to Buy?

Ridgewood NJ Home Values - September Real Estate Market Report

Ridgewood Home Sales - August Real Estate Market Report

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NJ to Manhattan Rail Tunnel Approved - Bergen County Commuters to Have Direct Train Access to New York City

January 16th, 2009 categories:Ridgewood Real Estate

Plan Approved Today Could Provide Bergen County Commuters with Direct “One Seat” Access to Manhattan Via Train

This is great news for Bergen County’s Economy and great news for the local real estate market.   Governor Corzine expects this project to create 6,000 local jobs.  Additionally, direct “one seat” train access to Manhattan will make Bergen County an even more attractive place to live.  This move will enable Bergen County to better compete with Union and Morris Counties which already have the Midtown Direct Line which provides “one seat” access to New York City.

Click below to read the article from today’s Record

http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/Rail_tunnel_to_Manhattan_gets_final_OK.html

Related Articles

Ridgewood Makes List of Top 10 NJ Housing Markets - Train Station a Big Factor

Parking in Ridgewood NJ - The Train Station, Downtown, Meters, Permits and More

Ridgewood NJ Commuter’s Secret - Manhattan Door-to-Door in Less than an Hour

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