Out and About around Basking Ridge - NJ Festival of Ballooning

Celebrating it's 27th anniversary, the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is currently going on today. "The Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America and is the premiere family entertainment attraction in New Jersey. It holds the dual distinction of being a recipient of The New Jersey Governor's Award for Best Special Event, as well as the American Bus Association's designation as a Top 100 Festival in North America. Held annually at Solberg Airport in Readington, NJ, the festival truly has something for everyone! From twice daily mass ascensions of up to 125 special shape and sport hot air balloons, to headlining concerts, non-stop family entertainment, hundreds of crafters and vendors, great food, fireworks, a balloon glow, and more, the festival is jam-packed with stuff to do," according to their website.

Each year we attend at least one launch. This year, the family and I decided that we would take the plunge and attend the morning launch - requiring a 5:30 wake up call to pack breakfast and the boys. We weren't disappointed. The launch was great - note the balloon rising at the top of the picture (I know it's a shameless RE/MAX plug, but had to do it). But, the fun really started on the way home.

I have heard that people try to scout spots where the balloons might land, but I have always discarded the notion. Not anymore. The most exciting part of our morning happened by chance. On the way home, we were lucky enough to come across the balloons as they were landing. Quiet exciting to see the balloons dropping out of the sky and narrowly avoiding the tree lines (some were not quite as fortunate and did take a few bounces in the trees). Great fun to be able to get up close and personable with the crew and balloon catchers. Fun time was had by one and all.

The Week that Was - Basking Ridge Homes Sold 7/20-7/26

5 Basking Ridge homes sold during the past week:

• 90 Potomac Dr / SP: $205,000 / LP: $199,900 / 1BR & 1BA.
• 7 Potomac Dr / SP: $233,000 / LP: $240,000 / 2BR & 1BA.
• 12 Berkeley Cr / SP: $770,000 / LP: $799,900 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 33 E Ash St / SP: $825,000 / LP: $849,900 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 14 Clive Ln / SP: $1,350,000 / LP: $1,395,000 / 6BR & 4.2BA.

SP = Sale Price, LP = List Price, BR = Bedrooms, BA = Baths

*All information is deemed reliable, but NOT guaranteed.*

Also, during the week 7 Basking Ridge homes went under contract. Currently, there are 235 Basking Ridge Homes For Sale.

For more information on Basking Ridge Real Estate, visit BaskingRidgeHomesforSale.com.

Out and About around Basking Ridge - Hacklebarney State Park

Need a quick relaxing get away for a few hours - check out Hacklebarney State Park in Long Valley, just outside of Chester. After meeting with clients most of the day on Saturday, the family and I decided that we could go take a hike and enjoy the beautiful New Jersey Summer afternoon. So, we packed up a picnic dinner and off we went. Given that Chantal and I have two little boys, we spared no expense and had an elaborate dinner menu of PB&J sandwiches, Sun Chips, apple slices, and carrots - only gourmet picnics for us. Oh, and bottled water, I cannot forget that, because Rowan, our 3 yr old, was very upset that I didn't bring milk for him -always confirm the dinner menu with the 3 yr old.

After a brief hike down the trail and some rock walking in the stream, the family and I found what we were looking for, a little waterfall to go picnic by. We climbed down the stone pathway, walked our way out to the stream, and found a large boulder to sit on to enjoy our dinner. While the menu left something to be desired, the ambiance wasn't lacking at all - it was the best PB&J that I have had in a long time.

Of course, after dinner Ethan, our 8 yr old, wanted to do a little adventure seeking. So off we went to scale the waterfall. He was excited to climb up and over the boulders relocated there from the glaciers. At the top, he wanted to go sit out on the ledge - who wouldn't. Upon returning to our dinner boulder, he confessed that now he wants to work on Everest - sound like fun, but I don't know if I will do that one with him.

After more hiking, a little playing in the Black River (very cool and refreshing), and enjoying the playground, it was time to call it a day. Great fun and only 30 minutes from Basking Ridge.

The Week that Was - Basking Ridge Homes Sold 7/13-7/19

Basking Ridge Homes Sold during the week of 7/13 - 7/19:

• 204 Irving Pl / SP: $220,000 / LP: $249,000 / 2BR & 2BA.
• 174 Smithfield Ct / SP: $475,000 / LP: $499,900 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 6 Paisley Ln / SP: $945,000 / LP: $995,000 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 4Royal Oak Dr / SP: $1,700,000 / LP: $1,850,000 / 5BR & 3.2BA.

SP = Sales price, LP = List Price, BR = Bedrooms, BA = Baths

***All Information Deemed Reliable, but NOT Guaranteed.***

Visit BaskingRidgeHomesforSale.com for more information on Basking Ridge Real Estate.

Avoid Forclosure Rescue Scams!

Yes, there are unscrupulous people out there in the world that prey upon those in need. With the rise in Foreclosures across the country, there has also been a rise in scams taking advantage of those looking for help.

If you are facing the possibility of forclosure, be wary of people who:

• Make any guarantees
• Ask for money up front
• Tell you to make your mortgage payment to them

Here's a clip from the Federal Trade Commission.

The Week that Was - Basking Ridge Homes Sold 6/22-7/12

Basking Ridge Homes Sold during the weeks of 6/22 - 7/12:

• 72 Potomac Dr / SP: $235,000 / LP: $239,900 / 2BR & 1BA.
• 125 Irving Pl / SP: $245,000 / LP: $249,000 / 2BR & 2BA.
• 212 English Pl / SP: $240,000 / LP: $249,000 / 2BR & 2BA.
• 355 Penns Way / SP: $242,000 / LP: $259,000 / 2BR & 2.1BA.
• 212 Arrowood Way / SP: $340,000 / LP: $359,900 / 2BR & 2.1BA.
• 444 Penns Way / SP: $340,000 / LP: $365,000 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 157 Arbor Cir / SP: $390,000 / LP: $420,000 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 19 Valley View Dr / SP: $438,500 / LP: $449,000 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 61 E Oak St / SP: $512,000 / LP: $519,000 / 4BR & 2BA.
• 53 Dorchester Dr / SP: $510,000 / LP: $544,000 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 147 S Finley Ave / SP: $520,000 / LP: $549,000 / 4BR & 1.1BA.
• 211 Stonehouse Rd / SP: $480,000 / LP: $549,000 / 3BR & 1.1BA.
• 69 Patriot Hill Dr / SP: $596,500 / LP: $622,500 / 3BR & 2.1BA.
• 540 Mt Airy Rd / SP: $640,000 / LP: $650,000 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 43 Hill Top Rd / SP: $645,000 / LP: $699,000 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 53 Lurline Dr / SP: $749,900 / LP: $749,900 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 86 Alder Ln / SP: $747,500 / LP: $775,000 / 5BR & 4BA.
• 38 Honeyman Rd / SP: $706,800 / LP: $778,000 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 25 Landau Rd / SP: $806,000 / LP: $799,900 / 5BR & 3.1BA.
• 125 Berkeley Cir / SP: $840,000 / LP: $859,900 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 48 Watchung Dr / SP: $855,000 / LP: $875,000 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 51 Spring House Ln / SP: $875,000 / LP: $894,999 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 64 N Maple Ave / SP: $875,000 / LP: $899,000 / 5BR & 4.1BA.
• 17 E Ash St / SP: $880,000 / LP: $899,000 / 5BR & 3.1BA.
• 6 Shawnee Ct / SP: $870,000 / LP: $905,000 / 4BR & 2.1BA.
• 8 Raritan Pl / SP: $880,000 / LP: $949,900 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 2 Yorkshire Ct / SP: $965,000 / LP: $999,900 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 80 Shannon Hill Rd / SP: $980,000 / LP: $1,049,000 / 4BR & 3.1BA.
• 80 Annin Rd / SP: $1,212,500 / LP: $1,295,000 / 5BR & 4.2BA.
• 14 Essex Pl / SP: $1,225,300 / LP: $1,295,000 / 5BR & 4.2BA.
• 23 Emily Rd / SP: $2,000,000 / LP: $2,100,000 / 4BR & 5.1BA.

SP=Sales Price, LP=List Price, BR=Bedrooms, BA=Baths

Visit the Norrod Team to view current Basking Ridge Homes for Sale.

Basking Ridge Homes - Pending Home Sales

For the month of June, Basking Ridge Real Estate saw a surge in homes going Under Contract. Year to date, the best month yet with 51 Basking Ridge homes going Under Contract (click on the graph to view). In fact, the best month since July of '07 which also recorded 51 units. More positive signs that the local housing market is improving. What remains to be seen is whether the disconnect between Home Sale (closed sales) and Homes Under Contract will remain - contracts (more than we would care to see) are falling apart over home inspection issues and mortgage complications causing the sales numbers to be weaker than expected. But what remains important is that the buyers in the market are perceiving value and acting on it. And not just in the lower price points - 22 Basking Ridge homes listed over $700k went U/C this month.

For more information on Basking Ridge Homes, contact "The Norrod Team".