My 5 minutes of fame. :) Those of you in the Union County area are all welcome to come to this performance. The ensemble sounds terrific, and the music is excellent! I am excited to be performing with some wonderful musicians in my hometown of Cranford! The press release is below.
Sean Carroll, a Realtor with RE/MAX Classic Group in Berkeley Heights, NJ and a resident of Cranford, NJ will be performing with the Celebration Singers Choral Ensemble on December 8th and 9th at the Cranford Harvest Center on Myrtle Street in Cranford. Tickets are $15.00. The concert will feature the one act opera "Amahl and The Night Visitors" and traditional holiday favorites. Tickets will be sold at the door, or you can contact Sean Carroll for additional information.
Sean Carroll is a Real Estate Agent who proudly serves the communities of Cranford, Westfield, Garwood, Kenilworth, Berkeley Heights and surrounding towns.
RE/MAX Classic Group is located at 440 Springfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights, NJ.
Sean Carroll can be reached at 908-898-0800 (office) or 908-418-7152 (cell)
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Emotions of Real Estate
In our market areas of Cranford, Berkeley Heights, Westfield and surrounding towns, we are in a period of market correction, much like other areas of the country. As a result, many sellers are struggling with the concept that their home may now be worth less than it was just one year ago, especially after 5 years of double digit price appreciation. No matter how many statistics and reports I show them, some people just think their home is worth what it's worth...and that's that.
This type of market has created much frustration, disbelief, and HIGHLY emotional responses from some sellers when conrfronted with the dreaded price reduction question. Of course, not too long ago, sellers were riding high and it was the buyers who had to come to the realization that full asking price was often a "starting point" for negotiations, and I was greeted with equally emotional responses when advising them that to get this house they may have to pay $20,000 or more over the asking price, Such is the cycle of the real estate world.
As a personal goal, I am doing what I can to keep MY emotions from getting in the way of ANY transaction, and allow the sellers or the buyers to feel their perfectly valid feelings. As I have said in an earlier post, I am currently a seller in a buyer's market with my own home, and I was a buyer a few years back in a seller's market. I truly believe this has helped me stay more objective and patient when dealing with difficult, emotional situations with my buyers and sellers. My job is to share with them what the facts of the market are, and I have no control over their feelings, and should not take it personally when they react accordingly. I simply have to tell the truth, and accept the fact that I can't please everyone ALL the time.
What I have found is that when I let my clients voice their feelings and get them out on the table, it becomes easier to discuss the reality of the situation (most times) once everyone calms down a bit and starts to see that I am on their side, and this transaction is NOT about me or my commission. Granted, I want to get paid like everyone else, but in order to gain the trust of my customers, I need to demonstrate that I am truly working for their best interests, and not my own. Early on in my real estate career, I would feel myself getting angry at my buyers for not offering what "I" wanted them to offer because I wanted the path of least resistance. With training, experience, practice, and listening, I am getting much better at managing my emotions on both sides. As difficult as it is to allow my clients to vent on me for a few minutes, as long as it is done respectfully, I have found that our business relationship is strengthened, and the deal ends up going just as it should, however rocky.
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect world, and not every deal goes as planned, nor do I succeed every time with a listing, price reduction attempt, or sale. That is often difficult for me to accept, being the perfectionist that I am, but at the end of the day, if I can look in the mirror and know I did what I could to help my client, there isn't much else I can do.
Thanks for reading! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
This type of market has created much frustration, disbelief, and HIGHLY emotional responses from some sellers when conrfronted with the dreaded price reduction question. Of course, not too long ago, sellers were riding high and it was the buyers who had to come to the realization that full asking price was often a "starting point" for negotiations, and I was greeted with equally emotional responses when advising them that to get this house they may have to pay $20,000 or more over the asking price, Such is the cycle of the real estate world.
As a personal goal, I am doing what I can to keep MY emotions from getting in the way of ANY transaction, and allow the sellers or the buyers to feel their perfectly valid feelings. As I have said in an earlier post, I am currently a seller in a buyer's market with my own home, and I was a buyer a few years back in a seller's market. I truly believe this has helped me stay more objective and patient when dealing with difficult, emotional situations with my buyers and sellers. My job is to share with them what the facts of the market are, and I have no control over their feelings, and should not take it personally when they react accordingly. I simply have to tell the truth, and accept the fact that I can't please everyone ALL the time.
What I have found is that when I let my clients voice their feelings and get them out on the table, it becomes easier to discuss the reality of the situation (most times) once everyone calms down a bit and starts to see that I am on their side, and this transaction is NOT about me or my commission. Granted, I want to get paid like everyone else, but in order to gain the trust of my customers, I need to demonstrate that I am truly working for their best interests, and not my own. Early on in my real estate career, I would feel myself getting angry at my buyers for not offering what "I" wanted them to offer because I wanted the path of least resistance. With training, experience, practice, and listening, I am getting much better at managing my emotions on both sides. As difficult as it is to allow my clients to vent on me for a few minutes, as long as it is done respectfully, I have found that our business relationship is strengthened, and the deal ends up going just as it should, however rocky.
Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect world, and not every deal goes as planned, nor do I succeed every time with a listing, price reduction attempt, or sale. That is often difficult for me to accept, being the perfectionist that I am, but at the end of the day, if I can look in the mirror and know I did what I could to help my client, there isn't much else I can do.
Thanks for reading! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Real Estate Market Conditions in Westfield, NJ
The real estate market in Westfield has adjusted in a similar fashion to surrounding towns, with prices easing off historic highs at a rate of about 5%-9% from one year ago. There are currently 197 single family homes and 4 multi family homes on the market for sale. These numbers have stayed relatively stable over the past few months, with an equal number of sales and new listings. Inventory levels are much higher than before, giving buyers more options when selecting a home.
As with surrounding towns, homes that are priced properly are still selling quickly, and homes that are priced too high are staying on the market longer as buyers have many choices when selecting a home.
The median sales price for the 24 homes sold in Westfield in October, 2006 was approximately $675,000 with the lowest priced at $270,000 and the highest at $1,999,999.
ZIP Code: 07090
About Westfield, NJ: Westfield New Jersey is a suburban community located approximately 25 miles southwest of New York City. There are approximately 29,000 residents, who enjoy a highly rated school system, a vibrant downtown area with many high end retail establishments, as well as dining, and many lovely parks.
Westfield is bordered by Cranford, Garwood, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Clark, and is centrally located to Public Transportation (Raritan Valley Train Line), and highways.
Prepared by:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group
908-418-7152 -cell
908-898-0800 - office
http://www.TheCarrollConnection.com
As with surrounding towns, homes that are priced properly are still selling quickly, and homes that are priced too high are staying on the market longer as buyers have many choices when selecting a home.
The median sales price for the 24 homes sold in Westfield in October, 2006 was approximately $675,000 with the lowest priced at $270,000 and the highest at $1,999,999.
ZIP Code: 07090
About Westfield, NJ: Westfield New Jersey is a suburban community located approximately 25 miles southwest of New York City. There are approximately 29,000 residents, who enjoy a highly rated school system, a vibrant downtown area with many high end retail establishments, as well as dining, and many lovely parks.
Westfield is bordered by Cranford, Garwood, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and Clark, and is centrally located to Public Transportation (Raritan Valley Train Line), and highways.
Prepared by:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group
908-418-7152 -cell
908-898-0800 - office
http://www.TheCarrollConnection.com
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Real Estate Market in Kenilworth, NJ
Kenilworth has seen moderate sales activity, and listings are staying on the market an average of 44 days for September and October, which is somewhat lower than some surrounding towns. This can be attributed to the smaller size of Kenilworth, lower inventory levels than surrounding towns .
Because of Kenilworth's lower tax rate when compared to surrounding towns, many buyers still find a great value in Kenilworth, with prices averaging about 10-15% lower for comparable homes in some surrounding towns.
For Kenilworth in September and October, the average selling price was $369,726 and the average days on market was 44.
Currently, there are 35 single family properties and 8 multi-family homes on the market in Kenilworth
About Kenilworth, NJ
Kenilworth, NJ is a small community located about 20-25 miles southwest of New York City, with a population of approximately 7500 people.
Kenilworth has a nice mixture of business and commercial properties and quiet residential neighborhoods. The downtown area located on and around Kenilworth Boulevard has restaurants, coffee shops, offices, and small retail establishments, all within walking distance of Harding Elementary School (K-6) and David Brearley High School (7-12).
With its close proximity to route 22, and the Garden State Parkway, Kenilworth is conveniently located for those looking to commute. Kenilworth is a close knit community, with the Brearley Bears Football games being a staple of a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.
Kenilworth is bordered by Cranford, Westfield, Roselle Park, and Union.
Want to sell your home in Kenilworth, NJ?
Call Sean Carroll of RE/MAX Classic Group
908-418-7152 - cell
908-898-0800 - office
Because of Kenilworth's lower tax rate when compared to surrounding towns, many buyers still find a great value in Kenilworth, with prices averaging about 10-15% lower for comparable homes in some surrounding towns.
For Kenilworth in September and October, the average selling price was $369,726 and the average days on market was 44.
Currently, there are 35 single family properties and 8 multi-family homes on the market in Kenilworth
About Kenilworth, NJ
Kenilworth, NJ is a small community located about 20-25 miles southwest of New York City, with a population of approximately 7500 people.
Kenilworth has a nice mixture of business and commercial properties and quiet residential neighborhoods. The downtown area located on and around Kenilworth Boulevard has restaurants, coffee shops, offices, and small retail establishments, all within walking distance of Harding Elementary School (K-6) and David Brearley High School (7-12).
With its close proximity to route 22, and the Garden State Parkway, Kenilworth is conveniently located for those looking to commute. Kenilworth is a close knit community, with the Brearley Bears Football games being a staple of a Friday night or Saturday afternoon.
Kenilworth is bordered by Cranford, Westfield, Roselle Park, and Union.
Want to sell your home in Kenilworth, NJ?
Call Sean Carroll of RE/MAX Classic Group
908-418-7152 - cell
908-898-0800 - office
Selling my Home in Cranford (part 2)
Many of you probably read my first post on this topic a few weeks back. I am happy to say that we are now Under Contract with our home, and we can start moving forward with our plans.
I listed my own home for sale once before, but this time it was different. Last time, I not only listed it, but my buyer clients ended up purchasing it, and thus I was the only Realtor involved. Talk about agency agreements..I was the listing agent, the buyer's agent, AND the seller. Quite strange. This time, a cooperating agency brought the buyers, and so I have had to wear a few different hats. During price negotiations, we were fortunate to have a multiple offer scenario, and I calmly handled that to make sure all parties were given a fair shot. I didn't start getting emotional until the attorney review period (I know most states do not have this), but basically it is a period where the attorneys for both parties "disapprove" the contract, and make the wording as strong as they can to protect the client's best interest. This process I thought would be wrapped up last week, but there were some communication dificulties on both ends, and my attorney added an extra clause to protect me. To make a long story short, I got very emotional today because I was trying to play Realtor and Seller at the same time. It got very difficult for me. I had to reach out to a colleague and ask for some assistance in calming me down.
One thing is for sure. This process has been quite valuable for my business, as it helps me truly remember just how emotional a home sale can be for the clients. I try to always be mindful of my clients feelings during the process, but going through it myself has definitely made me a better Realtor.
I am curious as to how many of you out there have listed/sold your own homes, and what your experiences were. I had some people tell me to have another agent handle it for a flat fee, and I had others tell me that I should do it myself, because it's one less person involved.
I am not sure if I would do this again, but I can say I have learned a great deal from this experience. Thanks for all your great comments about yesterday's post about presenting in person. For those of you who are curious, we are still in negotiations with that particular deal. Have a great day. Until next time.....
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
I listed my own home for sale once before, but this time it was different. Last time, I not only listed it, but my buyer clients ended up purchasing it, and thus I was the only Realtor involved. Talk about agency agreements..I was the listing agent, the buyer's agent, AND the seller. Quite strange. This time, a cooperating agency brought the buyers, and so I have had to wear a few different hats. During price negotiations, we were fortunate to have a multiple offer scenario, and I calmly handled that to make sure all parties were given a fair shot. I didn't start getting emotional until the attorney review period (I know most states do not have this), but basically it is a period where the attorneys for both parties "disapprove" the contract, and make the wording as strong as they can to protect the client's best interest. This process I thought would be wrapped up last week, but there were some communication dificulties on both ends, and my attorney added an extra clause to protect me. To make a long story short, I got very emotional today because I was trying to play Realtor and Seller at the same time. It got very difficult for me. I had to reach out to a colleague and ask for some assistance in calming me down.
One thing is for sure. This process has been quite valuable for my business, as it helps me truly remember just how emotional a home sale can be for the clients. I try to always be mindful of my clients feelings during the process, but going through it myself has definitely made me a better Realtor.
I am curious as to how many of you out there have listed/sold your own homes, and what your experiences were. I had some people tell me to have another agent handle it for a flat fee, and I had others tell me that I should do it myself, because it's one less person involved.
I am not sure if I would do this again, but I can say I have learned a great deal from this experience. Thanks for all your great comments about yesterday's post about presenting in person. For those of you who are curious, we are still in negotiations with that particular deal. Have a great day. Until next time.....
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Market Conditions in Berkeley Heights, NJ
Berkeley Heights has seen slower sales activity, and listings are staying on the market an average of 78 days for October, which is higher than some surrounding towns. This can be attributed to higher inventory, fewer buyers, and lower buyer confidence in the housing market. Homes that are priced correctly, are still selling, however, but the homes that are priced even slightly higher than market value, are staying on the market much longer than in some surrounding towns.
For the 9 properties that were closed in October in Berkeley Heights, the average selling price was $571,722 and the average days on market was 78.
Currently, there are 88 single family properties on the market in Berkeley Heights.
About Berkeley Heights, NJ
Berkeley Heights is a small community located in Union County, NJ with a population of about 13,000.
Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, Berkeley Heights is a community of comfortable homes, and quiet tree lined streets, which provides the ideal setting for raising a family and enjoying life. Berkeley Heights has an excellent school system consisting of 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 High School (Governor Livingston)
Residents enjoy spacious parks and outstanding recreational programs for all ages. Berkeley Heights is an easy commute by train to New York City for work or play and provides access to other locations by nearby major highways. In this time of increasing development, the Township Committee is diligently working to maintain the beauty and character of the community.
Submitted By:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group - Berkeley Heights
908-418-7152 - cell
908-898-0800 - office
For the 9 properties that were closed in October in Berkeley Heights, the average selling price was $571,722 and the average days on market was 78.
Currently, there are 88 single family properties on the market in Berkeley Heights.
About Berkeley Heights, NJ
Berkeley Heights is a small community located in Union County, NJ with a population of about 13,000.
Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, Berkeley Heights is a community of comfortable homes, and quiet tree lined streets, which provides the ideal setting for raising a family and enjoying life. Berkeley Heights has an excellent school system consisting of 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 High School (Governor Livingston)
Residents enjoy spacious parks and outstanding recreational programs for all ages. Berkeley Heights is an easy commute by train to New York City for work or play and provides access to other locations by nearby major highways. In this time of increasing development, the Township Committee is diligently working to maintain the beauty and character of the community.
Submitted By:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group - Berkeley Heights
908-418-7152 - cell
908-898-0800 - office
Garwood, NJ Real Estate Market Conditions
The real estate market in Garwood, NJ has adjusted in a similar fashion to surrounding towns, with prices easing off historic highs from one year ago. There are currently 21 single family homes and 2 multi family homes on the market for sale. These numbers have stayed relatively stable over the past few months, with a fairly equal number of closed sales and new listings. However, much like other parts of New Jersey and the United States, housing inventory levels are higher than prior years, giving buyers more options when selecting a home.
Because Garwood is such a small town, with far fewer listings than surrounding towns, it is difficult to study month by month market movement. The median home sales price for the past 5 months in Garwood is about $409,000, with the lowest price at $300,000 and the highest price of $650,000.
I expect the gradual price softening trend to continue for the next several months, with buyers willing to pay a fair price for homes, and disregarding homes that are priced considerably above market value.
About Garwood, NJ
Garwood, New Jersey is a suburban community located approximately 25 miles southwest of New York City. With a balanced mix of residential areas, retail stores and manufacturing businesses in its .75 square miles, the borough of Garwood has approximately 4200 residents.
Most of the streets on the north side of town are numbered, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues (there is no 1st); while on the south side they are named after trees, Willow, Hickory, Beech, Pine, Myrtle and Spruce.
The town is bordered by Cranford to the east, Westfield to the West, and Clark to the south. Garwood is located on the Raritan Valley Train Line of NJ Transit, and commuters can reach New York City via transfer at Newark Penn Station.
Garwood school district is a K-8 district, and high school students attend A.L. Johnson High School in Clark, NJ.
For more information about Garwood, NJ, logon to the borough's website at:
http://www.Garwood.org
Submitted By:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group
908-898-0800
908-418-7152
Because Garwood is such a small town, with far fewer listings than surrounding towns, it is difficult to study month by month market movement. The median home sales price for the past 5 months in Garwood is about $409,000, with the lowest price at $300,000 and the highest price of $650,000.
I expect the gradual price softening trend to continue for the next several months, with buyers willing to pay a fair price for homes, and disregarding homes that are priced considerably above market value.
About Garwood, NJ
Garwood, New Jersey is a suburban community located approximately 25 miles southwest of New York City. With a balanced mix of residential areas, retail stores and manufacturing businesses in its .75 square miles, the borough of Garwood has approximately 4200 residents.
Most of the streets on the north side of town are numbered, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues (there is no 1st); while on the south side they are named after trees, Willow, Hickory, Beech, Pine, Myrtle and Spruce.
The town is bordered by Cranford to the east, Westfield to the West, and Clark to the south. Garwood is located on the Raritan Valley Train Line of NJ Transit, and commuters can reach New York City via transfer at Newark Penn Station.
Garwood school district is a K-8 district, and high school students attend A.L. Johnson High School in Clark, NJ.
For more information about Garwood, NJ, logon to the borough's website at:
http://www.Garwood.org
Submitted By:
Sean Carroll - Realtor
RE/MAX Classic Group
908-898-0800
908-418-7152
Real Estate Market Conditions in Cranford, NJ
The real estate market in Cranford has adjusted in a similar fashion to surrounding towns, with prices easing off historic highs at a rate of about 5%-8% from one year ago. There are currently 86 single family homes and 7 multi family homes on the market for sale. These numbers have stayed relatively stable over the past few months, with an equal number of sales and new listings. Inventory levels are much higher than before, giving buyers more options when selecting a home.
Although prices and demand in general have trended lower, Cranford still remains an appealing option for many buyers, which has enabled homes to sell quickly if they are priced properly. Multiple offers are still a possiblity for competetively priced homes.
I expect this price softening trend to continue for the next several months, with buyers willing to pay a fair price for homes, and disregarding homes that are priced considerably above market value.
There were 8 properties that closed in October in Cranford. The average selling price was $404,813 and the average days on market was 60.
Location Characteristics: Cranford is a lovely suburban NYC community with a population of about 23,000 people. The town has an excellent school system, and a quaint downtown area, which is in the process of revitalization - including new condominiums and retail establishments.
The town sits on the Raritan Line of NJ Transit, and commuters can access New York City via transfer at Newark Penn Station.
For more information about Cranford, please visit the township's official website at:
http://www.Cranford.com
Submitted by:
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
908-898-0800 - office
908-418-7152 -cell
Although prices and demand in general have trended lower, Cranford still remains an appealing option for many buyers, which has enabled homes to sell quickly if they are priced properly. Multiple offers are still a possiblity for competetively priced homes.
I expect this price softening trend to continue for the next several months, with buyers willing to pay a fair price for homes, and disregarding homes that are priced considerably above market value.
There were 8 properties that closed in October in Cranford. The average selling price was $404,813 and the average days on market was 60.
Location Characteristics: Cranford is a lovely suburban NYC community with a population of about 23,000 people. The town has an excellent school system, and a quaint downtown area, which is in the process of revitalization - including new condominiums and retail establishments.
The town sits on the Raritan Line of NJ Transit, and commuters can access New York City via transfer at Newark Penn Station.
For more information about Cranford, please visit the township's official website at:
http://www.Cranford.com
Submitted by:
Sean Carroll - RE/MAX Classic Group
908-898-0800 - office
908-418-7152 -cell
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Taking my Work Home - Or at least from the office to the living room. :)
Ever since I started working for a living, I always thought that the perfect job would be one which I could work from home in my sweatpants. Well, when I started as a Realtor, I realized that much of my work could be done from home, and I really enjoyed my commute from the dining room to the office.
Then...my business picked up. Now, what I am finding is that I have to really set my boundaries carefully with both my work hours, and my work location. The problem with real estate for me is it can be addictive, and going upstairs to get a sweater can often lead to "I'll just quickly check my e-mail" which can quickly lead to 3 hours evaporating before my eyes.
Of course I pride myself on prompt service, quality service, and thoroughness. That is why I bought a Blackberry device to receive and respond to e-mail when I am away from my desk. That is why I invested in a laptop which is wireless ready. However, no matter how much I want to help my customers, I must balance my life, and keep my priorities in order. Real Estate and serving my clients here in Cranford or Berkeley Heights is a very important priority. But at 6:30 when my wife comes hom from her job. The MOST important thing quickly shifts for me from the computer, to greeting my lovely wife in the foyer. (Well...ok..it doesn't quite happen that way EVERY night).
My point is simply that I must be mindful of my work hours, my boundaries, and my life balance. If one part of my life gets out of balance too much, then the other parts inevitably suffer. I am thrilled that my business is growing, and I am very grateful that I have the tools, and the knowledge to continue to grow my business, but learning when to delegate to an assistant when neccessary, or when to turn the phone off so I can be a good husband or a good friend when I am needed.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Then...my business picked up. Now, what I am finding is that I have to really set my boundaries carefully with both my work hours, and my work location. The problem with real estate for me is it can be addictive, and going upstairs to get a sweater can often lead to "I'll just quickly check my e-mail" which can quickly lead to 3 hours evaporating before my eyes.
Of course I pride myself on prompt service, quality service, and thoroughness. That is why I bought a Blackberry device to receive and respond to e-mail when I am away from my desk. That is why I invested in a laptop which is wireless ready. However, no matter how much I want to help my customers, I must balance my life, and keep my priorities in order. Real Estate and serving my clients here in Cranford or Berkeley Heights is a very important priority. But at 6:30 when my wife comes hom from her job. The MOST important thing quickly shifts for me from the computer, to greeting my lovely wife in the foyer. (Well...ok..it doesn't quite happen that way EVERY night).
My point is simply that I must be mindful of my work hours, my boundaries, and my life balance. If one part of my life gets out of balance too much, then the other parts inevitably suffer. I am thrilled that my business is growing, and I am very grateful that I have the tools, and the knowledge to continue to grow my business, but learning when to delegate to an assistant when neccessary, or when to turn the phone off so I can be a good husband or a good friend when I am needed.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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