What's on Your "Must Have" List?

As you read this, I want you to think about what attributes your next home "must have" to make you happy.

So I hosted an Open House yesterday and had a terrific time.  Not only was the house a pleasure to be in, but I got to meet many wonderful people and have many great conversations.  The folks that came through the door ranged from serious buyers working with Realtors, to young couples just starting their house search to the neighbors down the block who just wanted to get a look at the recent renovations.  All were a pleasure to meet and show around.

The house I was in was 4 Kenneth Terrace in Montclair, this house:

 It's a really awesome house, totally updated with a wonderful flow.  But the greatest thing about this house, it pretty much has everything on the "must have list". 



When I start to work with Buyers the first thing I ask them is what's on their "must have list".  Which is just what it sounds like.  I need to know what it is that their new home "must have" for them to be happy.  This can be a variety of things.  For Kim and I it was a Master Bath, Central Air and a Fireplace.  We have all three in our current house.  Other buyers I've worked with have needed a fence in yard for their dog, or had to have a finished basement for their kids.  And so in one of my many conversations yesterday it dawned on me that this house has all the "must haves" covered....well at least the most common requested.  It has a great fenced in yard, with paver patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

A huge finished basement with large laundry room, French drains and a sump pump.

A terrific open flow plan.  That's the enormous family room in the back!

A renovated "cook's kitchen"...

And my personal "must have" a fireplace.

So, now that you've thought about it, What's on your "Must Have" list?  I'd love to know...

And thanks again to the lovely people who came to the Open House yesterday.  It'd made for a great day!

Where My Habitat Is At

I live in suburban New Jersey.  Before that Brooklyn, before that Manhattan.  I started out young and single, was smitten by a brunet beauty, got married to said beauty, and moved into Manhattan.  There it was a full time job just keeping up with what was "in".  "Time Out New York" became a must read every week. We ate dinner at a trendy restaurant at 10:30 at night, then we would go out.  Life was fast paced and fun.  Then came my first born and it was off to Brooklyn, still trying to keep up with the latest latest all the while trying to get some sleep.  Diner was still at 10:30, but it was take-out after getting the little one to bed.  Then came number two and that once "spacious" two bedroom apartment now felt like a closet.  So it was off to the 'burbs and a house with tons of space and a great environment for my boys.

That's my particular habitat trail.  But I'm not alone in that.  So many of the people I meet as either neighbors or new clients have followed that same path.  It was circumstance that led me to South Orange and a great side-hall Colonial in the Historic Montrose Park section of town.   There are many great neighborhoods here and in neighboring Maplewood.  The Homeowners from every part of town are quick to explain what makes their particular neighborhood so special.  I like to talk about the "Jewels of Montrose".

For me the "Jewels of Montrose" are the large, architecturally beautiful homes that are scattered throughout the neighborhood.  Many of the homes started as summer retreats for New York City's wealthy residents looking to escape the heat of the season, then quickly became full-time residences.

The neighborhood is characterized by large imposing houses that are set on large, landscaped lots, framed by mature trees and shrubbery, and lit by Victorian gas lamp, street lights.

The Montrose Park Historic District Association, a large, well established organization who's mission is "to promote, preserve and beautify the Montrose Park Historic District, maintain its integrity and enhance the quality of life for its residents" sponsors "Montrose in May", an annual event that showcases these Historic homes.  The houses are open to the public and tours and talks are given.  Anyone who considers themselves a Habitatilist should put this on their calendar as a "can't miss" event.

Here are some links to explore:
http://www.southorange.org/
http://www.montroseparksonj.org/

As storied a history as South Orange has, it's also a thriving modern community.  Rich in Culture, there's SOPAC, the South Orange Performing Arts Center, where you can see a show, such as Carrie Fisher in her smash Broadway hit, "Wishful Drinking" or "Menopause The Musical".  Watch a concert, such as Marc Broussard or Loudon Wainwright III, or go to a movie at the Clearview Cinemas South Orange 5 plex.

South Orange also boasts many great Restaurants and Shops.  I'm proud to say that 5 of our retailers were named "Best of New Jersey" by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.  Not bad for a small town in such a big state!  We also had many "Runner-Up" winners.  You can check out the list here:

http://www.mainstreetsouthorange.org/NJMonthlyMagazines2010BestofNJSouthOrangeNJwinners.htm

Some other South Orange tidbits:  The town is located 18 miles west of Manhattan.  The mid-town direct train line can get you there in approximately 33 minutes. 

South Orange and Maplewood are combined under one school district.  There are 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 high school, Columbia High School.  I'm proud to say that in 2009 a record number of Columbia students received special recognition for the amount of Advanced Placement Exams taken and the high scores received.  This included one student who was named a State AP Scholar, one of only two in the state!

South Orange, a great place to live and where my Habitat is at.