I hope everyone had a great Christmas.  New Year's Eve is just three days away.  The first order of business in January has to do with a school bond referendum in our Westfield community that is scheduled for the end of the month.  There are four Westfield NJ school bond meetings set for January 2016.  The meetings are all open to the general public.Westfield NJ School Bond MeetingsThe four Westfield NJ school bond meetings will be held on Tuesday or Thursday evenings at two separate locations.  Both Thursday meetings will be hosted by the schools' Parent Teacher Organizations, with the Parent Teacher Council co-hosting the January 21st meeting.  They will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the bond.  These four meetings have been scheduled to allow for as many Westfiel... 01/03/2016

We are less than two weeks away from a brand new year.  I have prepared this Westfield Area Luxury Homes Year End Recap 2015 to inform you of how this year has fared in the local real estate market.  Overall, prices in our Westfield community as well as the surrounding areas were higher than previous estimations predicted.Westfield Area Luxury Homes Year End Recap 2015Westfield homes had an estimated median list price of $855,000, according to Realtor Property Resource (RPR).  However, the MLS had the median estimate at $883,486.  This was 4% higher than the previous last year.Zillow and RPR both underestimated Westfield property values.  Zillow estimated that the median value would be $680,900.  RPR had estimated values to be around $747,000.  The MLS reported that the median value was... 12/24/2015

Westfield NJ made the Top 100 Best Small Cities to Live list.  WalletHub recently released their list for 2015's Best and Worst Small Cities in America.  Our very own Westfield community ranked 81st.  Only three other cities in New Jersey found their way into the top 100: Hoboken (80th), Paramus (15th) and Princeton (1st).Westfield NJ Made the Top 100 Best Small Cities to Live ListHow did WalletHub determine their rankings for this list?  There were four main criteria they took into consideration: affordability, economic health, education/health and quality of life.  Things like housing costs, cost of living and how many homeowners were in the community went into the affordability portion of the equation.  The economic health of a community was determined by the unemployment rate, media... 12/17/2015

I certainly hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Now that the turkey is put away, it's time to start making your plans for Christmas here in our Westfield community.  When it comes to your Christmas tree, don't settle for a fake one.  Get a beautiful live tree at the Westfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015.What: Westfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015 Where: Elm St Field Between Orchard & Walnut When: Nov 28th to Dec 23rd, 5pm to 9pm Mon thru Fri, 9am to 6pm Sat & Sun Contact: Scott Gleason, Westfield Y Men's Club via emailWestfield Y Men's Club Christmas Tree Lot 2015For more than 60 years now, the Westfield Y Men's Club has hosted their very own Christmas tree lot.  The proceeds from the sales of Christmas trees helps fund the many Westfield Y Men's Club cha... 12/03/2015

Next week is Thanksgiving.  There is only a month and a half left of 2015.  You still have time to find the perfect Westfield NJ luxury home before the year ends.  If you hurry, you could be spending Christmas with your family in your new home.  Here is your Mid-November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market Update to show you what's on the market right now.Mid-November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market UpdateCurrently, there are five luxury homes for sale in Westfield.  Four of these are under construction or are ready to be built.  The other is a beautiful Custom Colonial that was built in 2006.  Please click on any address below to see photos or take a virtual tour of the listing: 26 Cottage Pl - 5 bed/2+2 bath, 4600 square feet $1,150,000 78 Tamaques Way - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,289,000 750 Prospect S... 11/25/2015

There is no gift greater than the gift of life.  According to the American Red Cross, over 41,000 blood transfusions are needed each and every day in the United States.  That is one every two seconds.  We need your help to ensure that there is blood on the shelves that is ready to use whenever and wherever it is needed this holiday season.  Please consider making a life-saving contribution at the Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive tomorrow.What: Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive Where: Community Room, Westfield Municipal Bldg (425 E Broad St) When: Sat, Nov 14th 11am to 4:30pm Contact: Westfield Regional Health Dept (908) 789-4070 or via emailWestfield NJ 2015 Blood DriveThe Westfield NJ 2015 Blood Drive will take place at the Westfield Health Department's Community Room on Saturday, November 14... 11/19/2015

We are closing in on the end of the year here in Westfield.  Even though we have less than two months left, it isn't too late to find the perfect new home to celebrate the holidays with your family.  This Early November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market Update will show you what is available right now.Early November 2015 Westfield Luxury Market UpdateThe Garden State MLS is reporting that there are currently seven beautiful luxury Westfield homes for sale.  Four of these are either under construction or have recently completed construction.  One of them is a newly renovated 1920's home.  Click on any address below to see photos of each property. 630 W Broad St- 5 beds/3.5 baths, listed at $799,000 254 Virginia St - 4 beds/3 baths, listed at $895,000 1717 Boulevard - 5 beds/5 baths, listed at... 11/12/2015

It's the end of October.  The weather has turned cold here in our Westfield community.  It's only going to get colder.  Old Man Winter will be here in full force before you know it!  Now would be a great time to check your home for air leaks.  You may think you know where all the culprits are.  But, are you looking for leaks in all the wrong places?Looking for Leaks in All the Wrong PlacesYou have replaced cracked weatherstripping around your windows and doors.  You re-caulked where needed.  You found and fixed all the obvious places where air leaks could be found.  But you still feel a draft in your Westfield home.  Could it be that you were looking for leaks in all the wrong places?  How about checking...your bathroom!Did you know that plumbers have to cut into your sub-flooring in or... 11/06/2015

We are now in the fourth and final quarter of 2015.  New construction in Westfield's luxury home market continues to flourish.  You will learn all about it in this Westfield Luxury Home Market Update for 10-23-15.Westfield Luxury Home Market UpdateAccording to the Garden State MLS, there are a total of eight active luxury Westfield homes currently for sale.  All eight of these are either brand new construction, are currently under construction or are ready to be built.  You will find more information and photos/floor plans of each by clicking on its address below: 401 & 403 Prospect Ave (Duplex) - Each unit has 3 bed/4.5 bath and is listed at $949,000 204 Wyoming St - 5 bed/4.5 bath $999,000 1509 Pine Grove Ave - 5 bed/4.5 bath $1,159,900 721 Marcellus Dr - 5 bed/4.5 bath $1,249,900 (no... 10/29/2015

It's October.  There are officially 29 days til Halloween.  But the Fall fun begins this weekend.  Union County pumpkin patches want your business now.  Pumpkins can last as long as three months if you don't carve them.  Pick up pumpkins and other natural Autumn decorations to add to your Westfield home decor at one of the two pumpkin patches below.Union County Pumpkin PatchesWhere: Parker Gardens (1325 Terrill Rd, Scotch Plains) When: Now through Oct 31, Mon to Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 4pm Contact: Parker Gardens (908) 322-5552 or via emailOne of the Union County pumpkin patches can be found at Parker Gardens.  The gardens are open seven days a week.  But the pumpkin patch itself is only open on the weekends.  That's when you'll find hayrides, slides and a maze in the gardens.  Octo... 10/08/2015

The Federal Reserve met last week to discuss a possible rate hike.  After reviewing local and worldwide economic data, they decided against raising rates at this time.  However, they will be meeting again at the end of next month.  If economic statistics at that time allow, they could very well increase rates.  That leaves us wondering how a Federal rate hike could affect Buyers.  Let's discuss.How A Federal Rate Hike Could affect BuyersThe Federal Reserve has been responsible for keeping interest rates low over the last several years.  In fact, we haven't had a significant increase since the banking crisis of 2008.  One way how a Federal rate hike could affect Buyers is with mortgage rates.  Lending institutions, such as mortgage companies, look to the Fed to determine where they shoul... 10/01/2015

It's getting dark sooner nowadays.  But the sun has not gone down on the Westfield real estate market.  At least, that's what the early September 2015 Westfield home sales figures have to say.  It is still alive and kicking.Early September 2015 Westfield Home SalesThe Garden State Multiple Listing Service released its early September 2015 Westfield home sales statistics.  As of September 10th, there were eight beautiful Westfield homes for sale. 1723 Boynton Ave - 4 bed/3.5 bath $1,049,000 133 Woodbrook Circle - 4 bed/3.5 bath $1,249,000 1 Bell Dr - 5 bed/6.5 bath $1,299,000 621 Greenbriar - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,329,000 641 Norwood Dr - 5 bed/3+2 bath $1,350,000 649 4th Ave - 5 bed/5.5 bath $1,425,000 6 Max Pl - 5 bed/4 bath $1,499,000 403 Qantuck Pl - 6 bed/5.5 bath $1,799,000 Five of the... 09/24/2015

Can you believe that it has already been 14 years since the attack on the Twin Towers?  It seems like it happened yesterday.  That could be because we are still feeling the effects of the events that took place on 9/11 today.  To honor those we lost, Westfield hosts a September 11th memorial tonight.Westfield Hosts September 11th MemorialBeginning at 6:30pm tonight, the Town of Westfield will be hosting a public service at the Sept 11th Memorial Site on North Ave and Broad St.  The schedule of events includes a Pledge of Allegiance, words from Mayor Andrew Skibitsky and prayers.  A moment of silence will be observed to honor those that perished.  A ceremonial wreath will be presented at the site while Taps is played in the background.  If you feel the need to mark this occasion with oth... 09/11/2015

The Westfield Gallery U will be hosting a Kumpf Middle School fundraiser on Saturday, August 15th.  Artwork created by children attending Carl H Kumpf Middle School in Clark, NJ will be displayed in a special exhibition.  Proceeds from the sale of each piece will directly benefit the school itself.What: Westfield Gallery U Hosts Kumpf Middle School Fundraiser Where: Gallery U Boutique (439 S Ave W, Westfield, NJ) When: Saturday, August 15, 2015 1pm to 3pm Admission: FREE Contact: Gallery U Boutique (908) 232-1895Westfield Gallery U Fundraiser "The Kidz Are Alright" exhibition will feature 28 pieces of art on display.  Last year, Carl H Kumpf Middle School was designated as one of the top "Schools to Watch" by the National Forum of NJ.  They placed 12th among all 2500 New Jersey middle s... 08/14/2015

The Westfield Bridges Run helps the less fortunate.  And so could you!  In fact, the First Congregational Church of Westfield would LOVE it if you helped them with their Bridges "run".What: Westfield Bridges Run Where:  First Congregational Church of Westfield (125 Elmer St, Westfield, NJ) When: August 14th 4pm & August 15th 9am Contact: First Congregational Church of Westfield (908) 233-2494What is the Westfield Bridges Run? Never heard of the Westfield Bridges Run?  That's OK.  No one does any actual "running".  Instead, this "run" is really more of a mini-mission.  The church works in conjunction with Bridges Outreach of Summit.  Their Bridges Run program brings food to the homeless men, women and children in Newark and New York City.Volunteers are asked to come to the church on Satu... 08/13/2015

Sunday, Monday...Happy Days.  Tuesday, Wednesday...Happy Days.  Relive those "happy days" by coming to see the Westfield Fabulous Fifties Program: T Shirts and Poodle Skirts.  It's fun, it's fabulous and it's absolutely free for all Westfield Library and MURAL cardholders!What: Westfield Fabulous Fifties Program Where: Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St) When: Wednesday, Aug 12, 2015 7pm Cost: FREE for Library & MURAL cardholders Contact: Westfield Memorial Library (908) 789-4090What to Expect at the Westfield Fabulous Fifties ProgramWhen I say "the 50's", what comes to mind?  Marilyn Monroe?  Elvis?  American Bandstand?  Poodle skirts?  Take a step back in time at the Westfield Memorial Library for one night only.  The whole cast will be dressed up in fabulous 50's costumes per... 08/06/2015

Many decades ago, maybe before you were born, I was junior booker in a flagship NYC nightclub called The Ballroom. My bosses and I were discussing whether to bet $25,000 per week on a four week run of Peggy Lee in July. The fear was that her audience would all be in the Hamptons. The boss who most advocated for it argued “they can’t all be in the Hamptons simultaneously. If 25% of them are in town, we can easily fill two shows a night.” Miss Lee went onto mesmerize sold out shows for all four weeks.Is that a real estate story? It is, in the sense that a fraction of the buyers and their agents are out of town every week in July, so the market is a little thinner—but there remain qualified and motivated buyers for the right proposition. I just spent a long weekend with a super client, who... 08/03/2015

"In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes."  Ain't that the truth!  One of the reasons buying a home in our beautiful Westfield community is great is the tax breaks it brings along with it.  Here are a few homeowner tax benefits Buyers need to know about.Homeowner Tax Benefits Buyers Need to KnowThere are plenty of costs that go into homeownership.  There are also plenty of benefits.  When renting, you pay someone else's mortgage.  When you own a home, you are paying your own.  Owning a home also means you make the decisions on renovations, remodeling or decorating.  There are some great homeowner tax benefits you will want to check out when you file next year.Mortgage Interest - The interest you pay on your first and second mortgages is tax deductible.  I... 07/30/2015

Having money broadens your price range when it comes to buying a luxury NJ home.  But wealthy Buyers still look for many of the things that the not-so-wealthy home buyer wants.  Follow these super wealthy real estate trends no matter what your price point may be.Super Wealthy Real Estate Trends You Need to FollowKnight Frank recently posted its 2015 Wealth Report.  It tracked the growing wealthy populations of more than 100 cities in almost 100 countries.  They found the following super wealthy real estate trends that can be adapted to home buyers of any budget. Location, Location, Location.  Yes, location remains key.  Buy a home in a popular location and you can minimize the impact of a major dip in the real estate.  Homes in desired locations tend to keep their value during a recessi... 07/23/2015

Do you love the smooth sounds of Jazz?  You're in for a treat.  The 2015 Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival began earlier this week.  Our Westfield community never sounded so good!What: 2015 Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival Where: Downtown Westfield, NJ When: Every Tuesday Through August 25, 2015 7pm to 9pm Cost: FREE Contact: Downtown Westfield Corp (908) 789-9444What Happens at the 2015 Westfield Sweet Sounds Downtown Jazz Festival?If you only visit the Downtown Westfield area once a week, make it a Tuesday night.  At least through the end of August.  That's when your shopping and dining experience will be accompanied by the sweet, soothing sounds of Jazz.  No matter where you go, live music will follow.  That's because there are four separate areas set up for ... 07/16/2015