Gloria @ Coldwell Banker Blog

California seems to lead the way in many trends including housing.  According to the Wall Street Journal, builders in California are taking "home staging" to another level - they are implementing a version of the barter system by hiring home decorators to occupy vacant luxury homes at reduced cos...

From what I am told, there is a movement to include a GREEN section on the MLS' that serve the NE.  This is already in place out West and will include a designated section on the listing sheet/screen that will allow the Agents to include environmentally friendly features existing in their listing...

Summer is almost here and, from what we hear about the economy, families are planning to stick close to home and enjoy some of the local forms of entertainment.  One that should be put on your To Do List is the Summer Courtyard Concert Series.  It will take place every Thursday evening from 6-8 p...

Nominations For Environmental Stewardship Awards The Franklin Township Environmental Commission is seeking nominations for the third annual Environmental Stewardship awards.  Awards will be presented in the fall of 2009 to an outstanding individual and organization or corporation that has contri...

The communities of Somerset and Middlesex counties will get a taste of Caribbean culture on June 27 when New Jersey Caribbean Festival 2009 will offer the spice-infused cuisine, diverse music rhythms and vibrant art of the islands, commonly called the West Indies.   Organized by the Jamaica Organ...

The U.S. Constitution requires a national census once every ten years.  It covers all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. This Census data will not only shape the future of our communities and d...

Are you sitting down? Yesterday our mortgage folks said the Feds have pulled the letter allowing the First Time Home Buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit towards downpayment on a purchase or towards closing costs.  Today we were informed that the Feds are saying that they have not pulled the provi...

There seems to be a growth in the House Sitter profession in light of the length of time it takes to sell property these days.  The media is circulating stories about squatters and/or homeless people setting up residence in vacant houses as well as vacant Staged homes being burglarized. House sit...

Well I have completed the 3 days of training and passage of the 2 exams required to have the National Association of Realtors (NAR) give me the "green light" to call myself a "GREEN" Realtor.  Now I am anxiously awaiting the NAR Green Designation Member Kit which should arrive in 3-4 weeks.  The ...

I have talked to several first time buyers who have good credit and want to take advantage of the $8,000 stimulus credit but just don't have the money available for the closing costs.  This sounds like a fantastic way to boost our service as a real estate professional by informing them of this pr...