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Preparing Your Home For Sale -What To Address
Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task, but it’s an essential step in maximizing your sale price and profit while selling your home quickly.
Here are some important things to address to get your home sale ready:
Declutter:
- Clear out any unnecessary items, including excess furniture, personal belongings, and decor. This will help make your home feel more spacious and appealing to potential buyers.
Deep Clean:
- A clean home is essential for making a good impression on buyers. Scrub everything from floors to walls and make sure your home smells fresh and clean.
Repairs:
- Fix any outstanding issues such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, or cracked windows. These minor repairs can make a significant difference in the value of your home.
Neutralize:
- Consider repainting bold or unique wall colors to a more neutral tone. This will allow buyers to envision themselves in the space more easily.
Enhance curb appeal:
- First impressions are critical, so make sure the exterior of your home looks its best. Clean up the yard, trim hedges, and plant flowers or plants if needed.
Stage your home:
- Highlight your home’s best features by strategically placing furniture, adding to the decor, and maximizing space. Consider hiring a professional stager if you need assistance.
By addressing these areas, you’ll increase your chances of attracting potential buyers and getting the best possible price for your home.
If you are looking for guidance on preparing your home for sale and the home selling process, contact me today!
🏠Roslyn Sibilia
đź“ž732-995-5609
đź’» NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Hitting The Home Run Of Homeownership
Hitting the home run of homeownership feels like hitting a home run in the game of baseball. There are steps to get to a grand slam, too.
In baseball, there are bases to run and pass getting you one step closer to home base. Well, it’s like that in real estate, too.
Taking the proper steps for a home purchase gets you one step closer to your real estate goal. If you don’t swing at opportunities and watch the pitches go by, you’ll be out of the game. In the real estate world it works the same way. You have to be in the game of real estate to win.
The beginning steps to buying a home is easy. You just have to do it! Let’s run the bases together to get a better understanding.
- First Base:
- Consult with a loan advisor to be pre-qualified for loan. They will ask for your financial information, such as bank statements and employment verification with salary amount. Your credit will also be checked.
- Second Base:
- Once you know your price range, consult with a Realtor (me) to discuss your home search. We will discuss your towns of interest and your home search criteria within your price range.
- Third Base:
- View homes and narrow down which you like the best. Compare closed home prices to arrive at a fair offer for the home. Trust your Realtor’s advice on the best terms to offer as real estate markets are ever-changing. Present your offer for acceptance.
- Home Run:
- You are now a homeowner.
As a coach advises you about strategy in baseball, a Realtor advises on your home purchase strategy. Remember, the most important strategy is taking that first swing.
Contact me today to team up and head to your home purchase win!
🏠Roslyn Sibilia
đź“ž732-995-5609
đź’» NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
March Home Maintenance To Protect Your Home
Your home is made of many parts that need to be maintained. The weather from each season can add wear and tear on each of your home’s components. As we head into March, it’s a good time for home maintenance, as home maintenance helps to protect your home. Thus, it is important to protect the exterior as a shield for the interior of the home. Nonetheless, what good is renovating just the inside of your home if a roof leak can destroy it? When your home is maintained, not only do the systems last longer but it gives you peace of mind.
Although the weather is still cool, here are are few items you might want to address before spring is here. Moreover, it makes the chore more tolerable as to doing them while baking in the heat of summer.
Exterior Maintenance:Â
- Clear out gutters and downspouts: Look for clogs that could cause water to damage your home.
- Check your roof for damage: Look for missing or cracked shingles.
- Inspect windows and doors: Check for drafts and seal with weather stripping.
- Check outdoor faucets and hoses: Check for cracks or leaks.
- Prepare your lawn and garden: Clean up debris.
- Clean and maintain your grill: Clean built up debris on your grill.
- Monitor your sump pump: Always test your pump to make sure it will work when needed.
Interior Maintenance:
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Click the link for New Jersey’s updated codes. Check with your town, too.
- Service your HVAC system: Service your systems and change filters.
- Organize and clean your garage: Clean your garage before the hot weather is here.
For more home tips, check back every Tuesday!
🏠Roslyn Sibilia
đź“ž732-995-5609
đź’»RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
đź’» NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Monmouth County Copy
Get your shamrock hat on and get ready to paint the town green for St Patrick’s Day parades in Monouth County.
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and Monmouth County will be painted green with all the festivities to enjoy. There are activtives and fun for all ages and it’s a graet way to feel a sense of community when looking for a home in Mounmouth County.Â
If you are seeking places to enjoy with your fellow Leprechauns, I have a list for you. Don’t depend on luck to make your plans. Check out the St. Patrick’s Day parades below. You don’t want to miss out. If youÂ
If you are looking to move to or within Monmouth County, you’re in luck! Contact me today to get you started.
🏠Roslyn Sibilia
đź“ž732-995-5609
đź’» NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Click on the links below and join in the fun for St. Patrick’s Day
March 5th @ 12:30PM…Belmar
March 12th @ 1PM…Asbury Park
March 12th @ 1PM...Rumson
March 12th @ 11:30AM…Freehold Boro
March 18th @ 2PM…Highlands
March 25th @5PM...Keyport
Friday Faves and St. Patrick’s Day Parades
It’s time for Friday Faves and St. Patrick’s Day parades.
As we end February and head into March it’s get your shamrock on and paint the town green in Monmouth County. St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and there is no lack of traditional festivities in Monmouth County. There is fun for all ages.
Here’s a list of where path to the pot of gold will lead you…
- Belmar–Sunday, March 2nd @12:30PM
- Asbury Park–Sunday, March 9th @ 1PM–
- Rumson–Sunday March 9th@ 1PM
- Freehold–Sunday, March 16th @ 12:30PM
- Highlands–Saturday, March 22nd @ 2PM
- Keansburg–Saturday, March 29th @ 1PM
What a great way to experience sense of community when looking for a home in Monmouth County.  If you are seeking places to enjoy with your fellow Leprechauns, I have a list for you. Don’t depend on luck to make your plans. Check out the St. Patrick’s Day parades below. You don’t want to miss out.
Looking to make a move to or within Monmouth County, you’re in luck! You don’t need the pot of gold to find that perfect home, Just contact me today!
🏠Roslyn Sibilia / 📞732-995-5609
đź’»RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
đź’» NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Melting Snow Can Cause Damage To Your Home
Melting snow can cause damage to your home. After the storm is over, the work begins. Although the sun begins to shine afterwards and all looks calm, this is the time to check in on the exterior of your home to prevent any damage from melting snow. You may think it’s just water, however it can cause issues. In the event of a storm that can take days to melt, the damage to homes can start quickly.
Here are a few home protection tips.
Exterior:
- Your roof is the first protection and umbrella to your home.
- Snow will remain as temperatures dip and rise throughout the day. Snow dams begin to form preventing the water runoff. Water sitting on your roof is not good for an extended period of time. Icicles hanging around the roofs edge could be a sign of snow dams. A roof rake comes in handy for this. You should gently brush away the snow from the edge allowing the water to run off properly.
- Gutters, leaders and downspouts play a huge role in water runoff from the roof.
- It is important that you check your gutters to make sure they are not clogged with debris or frozen ice. The water should be able to drain properly away from the home. Also, if your gutters are clogged and water is dripping onto your walkway below, this can be dangerous and cause injury.
- You should throw snow away from your home when shoveling.
- You do not want any snow and water build up around the foundation of your home. Keep the area around your foundation as clear as possible.
Interior:
- Sump pumps relieve basements of any ground water pushing against the foundation.
- You should always make sure the pump is working property before the water level rises in the sump. Also, the water is pumped out to the exterior of the foundation. This pipe is exposed to cold temperatures and should be checked to make sure it is not frozen. This could cause a backflow and flooding. Whether your basement is finished or not, who wants to deal with a flood?
- Water shut off valves need to be check for each pipe or main to the house.
- Pipes that run along the exterior of the home can freeze during an event of continuous freezing weather.
While living in your home, there are many other home saving tips to keep in mind . I am available to discuss references should you need any to address issues.
If you are looking to get your home ready for sale, contact me at 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums and Renovations
Homeowner’s insurance premiums and renovations are related. A homeowner’s insurance premium is the regular payment made to an insurance company to maintain coverage for a home and its contents. Factors such as the home’s value, location, potential dangers affect this cost. Other factors that affect the cost are the coverage limits, which is the maximum amount the company is willing to pay you for a claim. Any discounts or additional coverage options applied could also cause an increase or decrease to the cost.
Nonetheless, understanding your homeowner’s insurance premium is important to make sure that you have the right coverage for your property while managing your overall insurance costs effectively.
If you are planning on renovating your home, it would be wise to research if the renovations will increase or decease your insurance.  Here are some examples of how these renovation can affect your premium.
Renovations or Additions That Can Increase Premiums:
- Swimming Pools – Adding a pool increases liability risks, often raising premiums.
- Home Additions – Expanding your home increases its replacement cost resulting in higher premiums.
- High-End Upgrades – Installing luxury materials or appliances may require increased coverage for replacement value.
- Finished Basement – While adding more interior space to occupy in the home, basements are more likely to be exposed to water damage, increasing premiums.
- Home Offices – Upgrading for a business use may require special coverage, adding to costs.
Renovations or Additions That Can Decrease Premiums:
- Security Systems – Installing monitored alarms, cameras, or smart locks can reduce premiums by lowering the risk of theft.
- Fire-Resistant Materials – Replacing roofing or siding with fire-resistant materials can result in discounts.
- Impact-Resistant Windows – Upgrading to storm proof windows may lower premiums, especially in storm-prone areas.
- Electrical Updates – Replacing old wiring reduces the risk of electrical fires, often leading to lower rates.
- Plumbing Upgrades – Modernizing pipes can decrease premiums by reducing the risk of leaks or water damage.
Looking for more homeowner tips? Check back weekly or contact me and let’s chat! Mobile: 732-995-5609 / NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
January Maintenance Checklist: A Good Start For Your Home
January is the perfect time to hit reset—not just on personal goals but also on your home’s upkeep. The colder months can be hard on your property, so a little proactive maintenance can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and ensuring your home stays comfortable and efficient.
From checking HVAC filters to inspecting for drafts, a few simple tasks can make a big difference. Whether you’re protecting your pipes from freezing temperatures or organizing post-holiday clutter, this month’s checklist will help you keep your home safe, warm, and running smoothly.
Read on for a detailed breakdown of essential indoor and outdoor tasks to tackle this January and tips to set your home up for success all year long!
Indoor Maintenance
- Inspect HVAC Filters
- Check and replace furnace or HVAC filters to ensure efficient operation during the cold months.
- Check for Drafts
- Inspect doors and windows for air leaks and reseal or use draft stoppers if necessary.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors  NJ State Smoke Detector Requirements
- Replace batteries and test devices for proper functionality.
- Clean and Inspect Your Fireplace
- If you use a wood-burning fireplace, clean the ashes and check for creosote buildup.
- Organize Holiday Decorations
- Store decorations in labeled containers for easy access next year.
- Inspect Plumbing for Leaks
- Look under sinks and around fixtures for any signs of water damage or drips.
- Declutter Key Areas
- Start the year fresh by organizing closets, cabinets, and other storage areas.
Outdoor Maintenance
- Check for Ice Dams
- Inspect your roof for ice buildup and remove snow as needed to prevent damage.
- Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
- Clear any remaining leaves or debris to prevent ice blockages.
- Examine Outdoor Lighting
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs and ensure pathways are well-lit during the darker winter months.
- Protect Outdoor Faucets
- Confirm hoses are disconnected and faucets are insulated to avoid freezing pipes.
- Check Trees and Shrubs
- Trim any branches near your house that could break under snow weight.
Seasonal Prep
- Stock Up on Ice Melt and Sand
- Keep your driveway and walkways safe from slips and falls.
- Inspect Winter Tools
- Ensure snow shovels and snow blowers are in good working condition.
- Create an Emergency Kit
- Include items like flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, and non-perishable food in case of a power outage
Check back here for more home tips to protect your investment. If you are looking for home selling tips, contact me at 7632-995-5609/ RSibilia@ERAcentral.com
It’s Apple Picking Season in the Garden State.
It’s Apple Picking Season in the Garden State…NJ Welcomes Fall.
New Jersey is home to many orchards to where you can enjoy a beautiful fall day. What is better than the taste of a newly picked crisp Macintosh or Granny Smith apple? Or the aroma of a freshly backed hot apple pie and apple cider?Â
If you are looking for some things to do this fall season, check out the many orchards of Northern, Central & Southern New Jersey by NJ Leisure Guide .
If you feel like “picking” a new home in New Jersey, I’ve got you covered. Just contact me at 732-995-5609 or go to NJHomesbyRoslyn.com
Northern NJ Apple Picking Farms
- Alstede Farms / 84 Route 513 (Old Route 24), Chester, New Jersey
- Pick apples while enjoying scenic hay wagon rides to pumpkin patch and corn mazes.Â
- Demarest Farms / 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642  https://demarestfarms.com/
- In addition to apple picking, they offer pre picked produce, a gift shop, snacks and a refreshment stand, rest rooms, picnic area, face painting, birthday parties, and school tours.
- Hillview Farms / 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ  https://hillview-farms.com/
- A family owned and operated 53-acre farm. They offer a tractor ride to and from the apple orchard.Â
- Mackey’s Orchards / 284 Route 519, Belvidere, NJ  http://www.mackeysorchard.com/
- Varieties of apples to pick include Macintosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Winesap, Granny Smith, Ida Red, Cortland, and dozens more
- Melick’s Orchards / 472 Route 513, Califon, NJ  https://www.melickstownfarm.com/
- Pick your own Fuji, Honey Crisp and Gala apples as well as Asian pears.
- Phillips Farms / 564 Millford-Warren Glen Road, Milford, NJÂ Â https://www.phillipsfarms.com/
- Pick apples and peaches along the scenic Delaware River in the rolling countryside of Holland Township.
- Riamede Farm / 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, NJ https://www.riamedefarm.com/
- They have 34 varieties of apples ranging from traditional classics to heirloom specialties to modern favorites. Take a free hay wagon ride on weekends through the orchards out to the patch.Â
- Ripple Hill Farm / 181 Mountain Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ  https://www.ripplehillfarm.com/
- You can pick-your-own apples as well as buy from the farm stand. They offer fresh, picked-that-morning produce. Many varieties of apples found are Macintosh, Gala, Granny Smith and Winesaps.
- Stony Hill Farm Market & Gardens / 15 North Road 8 Route 24, Chester, NJ  https://stonyhillfarms.com/
- They offer apple picking, a Maze Fun Park and lots of activities.
- Sun High Orchard / 19 Canfield Avenue, Randolph, NJ  https://www.facebook.com/sunhighorchardnj/
- Enjoy the “Kiddie Corn Pit Play Area” – a giant corn filled sand box. Other activities include a Rope Maze, Tile Maze, Pipe Maze, and a Kiddie Hay Maze. Their friendly alpaca “Jersey Gold” and mini donkey “Jessica” are always looking to make new friends.Â
- Tree-Licious Orchards / 135 Karrville Road, Port Murray, NJ  https://treeliciousorchards.com/
- Featuring over 130 acres of fresh fruits, pumpkin picking, berry picking, apple picking, peach picking. You can schedule private tours, corporate events, have farm wedding, enjoy farm to table dinners and fun for the whole family.Â
- Valley Crest Farm & Preserve / 14 Allerton Road, Lebanon, NJ  https://www.visitnjfarms.org/Valley_Crest_Farm___Nature_Preserve/
- They offer a variety of apples including Ginger Gold, three types of Gala, McIntosh, Macoun, Pink Lady, Cameo, Honey crisp, Granny Smith and more.
- Wrightman’s Farms / 1111 Mt. Kemble Avenue, Morristown, NJ  http://www.wightmanfarms.com/index.html
Central NJ Apple Picking Farms
- Battleview Orchards / 91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold, NJ  https://www.battlevieworchards.com/
- Pick your own family farm with a country store and excellent bake goods. A favorite in Manalapan Township.
- Bonacorsi Family Farm / 1137 Croton Road, Flemington, NJ  http://www.bonacorsifamilyfarm.com/
- They offer over 60 varieties of apples. Please visit their website to confirm fall apple picking dates.
- Eastmont Orchards / 321 County Road 537, Colts Neck, NJÂ Â http://eastmontorchards.com/
- They offer a variety of all apple types:Â Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Crispin, Empire, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonathan, McCoun, Red Delicious, Spartan, Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Rome, Stayman Winesap and Yellow Newtown Pippen
- Giamarese Farm / 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick, NJ  http://www.giamaresefarm.com/
- Open early July to September, you can pick your own apples, nectarines and peaches.
- Lee Turkey Farm / 201 Hickory Corner Rd., East Windsor, NJ  https://leeturkeyfarm.com/
- Located on 54 acres nestled in the farms of suburbia, they offer hundreds of fruit trees and acres of vegetables all yours for the picking. Pumpkin picking is available, too.Â
- Terhune Orchards / 13 Van Kirk Road, Princeton, NJ  https://www.terhuneorchards.com/
- First Pick-Your-Own Apples and then enjoy pony rides, wagon rides, visit the Corn Stalk Maze, the Barn of Legends and Lore, and their barnyard of farm animals. They offer a lunch menu, too, such as soup, chili, hot dogs, pies, apple cider donuts, apple cider, and more!Â
- Von Thun’s Country Farm Market / 519 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ  https://vonthunfarms.com/
- A family owned farm offering U-pick Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, and pumpkins.
Southern NJ Apple Picking Farms
- Haynicz’s Orchardview Farm / corner of Buck and Elk road (Rt 553 and Rt 538), Monroeville, New Jersey  https://www.facebook.com/Hayniczs-Orchardview-Farm-Market-and-Greenhouse-197438020269238/
- They have pick your own strawberries, peaches, apples, collards and pumpkins in season.
- Hill Creek Farms / 1631 Route 45, Mullica Hill, NJ Â
- They grow three varieties on dwarfing rootstock including; Cameo, Jonagold, and The Autumn Rose Fuji apples. Enjoy a snack at the refreshment stand, picnic area while having your face painted. Pony rides are offered, too.Â
- Johnson’s Corner Farm / 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ  https://www.johnsonsfarm.com/?utm_source=GMB
- Offers pick your own apples, peaches and pumpkin picking. After visiting their Animal Farm, other attractions include their pipe slide, wacky bridge, rope maze, balance beam, and tire climb!Â
- Mood’s Farm Market / 901 Bridgeton Pike (Route 77), Mullica Hill, NJ  https://www.moodsfarmmarket.com/
- Apple Festivals can be enjoyed here. Â
- Strawberry Hill Farm / Corner of Waln & Ellisdale Road, Chesterfield, NJ  https://strawberryhillfarm.org/
- Golden Delicious, Gala, Empire, and Macintosh apples available
Carve Out Time For Halloween Haunted Happenings.
Carve out time for Halloween haunted happenings. There are lots of things to do in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.Â
October is when the autumn festivities begin and a favorite time of year. The changing colors, crisp night air and sweet smell of cinnamon fill the air.
Not only is it a time to enjoy a horror film, but it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoors.
Here are a list of places that will thrill you! Sometimes the weather is unpredictable. Remember to check the event info prior to going for any changes.Â
Monmouth County Events
- Jersey Shore Ghost Tours: Held in Red Bank and Keyport, offering spooky guided tours.
- Freehold Halloween Spooktacular: A long-standing tradition featuring community-driven activities like parades and contests.
- Night of Frights at Allaire Village: An 1830’s Halloween celebration with storytelling and other activities.
- C. Casola Farms Haunted Attractions: Located in Marlboro, featuring multiple haunted attractions, including a haunted hayride.
- Brookdale Haunted Theater: A haunted house display experience created by students at Brookdale Community College.
- Boo at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk: This family-friendly event includes crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, and even underwater pumpkin carving​(
Ocean County Events
- Terror at Trailside: A haunted walkthrough experience with live actors, located in Waretown.
- Argos Farm Fall Country Fun: Located in Forked River, featuring hayrides, mazes, and other family-friendly activities.
- Cicconi Farms in Jackson: Offers a variety of Halloween-themed attractions such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, and haunted trails​
These events events can be enjoyed by all. From easy and safe viewing to terrifying haunted attractions, there’s something for everyone this Halloween season!
