Guide Me Home to North Jersey

It’s hard to think about summertime when it’s 25˚ outside, the wind is howling and there are a few inches of snow on the ground, but now is the time of year that many summer camps and programs begin registration. Depending on where you live, there are several good programs to choose from. Here are some of my favorites in the North Jersey/Mendham area:

Schiff Summer Nature Program - Schiff Nature Lands Trust in Mendham, NJ

Children ages 6 (entering first grade) to 12 are given the opportunity to play, explore and learn while developing a sense of community, self confidence and appreciation for the natural world. With almost 600 acres of forest and meadow and 14 miles of hiking trails, projects are designed to motivate and inspire as well as encourage environmental awareness. The Schiff Summer Program is a local favorite which often boasts a waiting list. For more information, visit their website or call 973-543-6004.

Art of Dance, Summer Dance Intensive - Chester, NJ

The Art of Dance features the most up-to-date dance styles and currently performing teachers. Dancers aged 5-20 can choose from a variety of dance styles that run in one or two week sessions. Whether you are a beginner or advanced dancer, you will be excited and motivated by this camp experience. For more information, visit their website or call 908-879-4919.

Oasis in Madison - Drew University in Madison, NJ

Oasis offers an amazing summer experience for children ages 4-11 and teen travel for ages 12-14. This camp offers sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, swimming, field trips and so much more. Visit their website or call 646-519-5059 for more information.

Junior Golf at Clubhouse Golf Center - Randolph, NJ

Individual instruction and lesson packages are available at the Golf Center. Camps and clinics are offered for ages 6-16 and all levels are welcome. Check out their website, or call 973-584-1504.

Gill St. Bernards Summer Programs - Gladstone, NJ

The beautiful 72 acre campus offers a wide variety of exciting and challenging opportunities for children aged 3-17. With over 41 years of well-supervised, creative camping there is something to keep every camper happy. The Hi Hills Camp is located here too.

There are so many options out there today to fit the needs of kids and parents. Don’t forget to check out your own local recreation departments and town clubs for summer programs as well.

Posted by:Nicole Atorino

Last week I discussed how to prepare the exterior of your home for selling this fall. Now, let’s move into the interior.

I know you are comfortable with the way your house looks- after all, you live there! However, not all potential buyers may feel as you do. They will know immediately if your open floor plan or main-floor master is wrong for them. But, if the great layout or number of bedrooms, etc. is overshadowed by your possessions or decorating style, they may not be able to envision themselves living in your house. The idea of walking through the house should make them feel comfortable.

First, remove all clutter. Your collections, knick knacks, and magazines are important to you, but may only distract the buyer whether he or she likes them or not. This is the most effective and least expensive way to prepare the inside! Pack them up; don’t shove them into drawers and cabinets, as the buyer will open them!

Second, clean out your closets, shelves, and drawers and then organize them. For example, line up the clothes by color in their category (i.e. skirts, pants, etc.) or arrange non-clothes closets by category (i.e. all napkins on one shelf.) The simple appearance of organized neatness implies a well-maintained home.

Third, re-arrange the furniture. Make sure that it’s positioned so that the buyers can easily walk into or through a room. Proper placement will ensure greater space within the room. Remove excess pieces that take up space or pieces that are not well-kept and store them in the basement. Use each room for its original use, a pool table in the living room implies that the living room is wasted space and you had to find something to do with it. Make sure the lighting is adequate to see the room.

Fourth, spruce up. Take one room at a time and carefully evaluate items that look worn, in a state of disrepair, or dated. This will take the most time, and possibly require some expense. Remember, it’s crucial that your buyer feel that you have maintained your home. Broken blinds, cracked tiles, or worn upholstery won’t convey that feeling. Keep the interior neutral; remove wallpaper or flashy paint colors that may prove too busy.

Throughout your preparation process, use your agent as a sounding board; ask her or him to be honest with you about what needs to be done or what you have done. You have hired a professional- experience is the best teacher!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Far Hills Office
Phone: 908-234-9100 ext. 220
Cell: 908-400-2346
Email: gerryjo@turpinrealtors.com

View Gerry-Jo’s Listings

Gerry-Jo is one of Turpin’s most consistent top producers. She has a New Jersey Real Estate Broker’s license and has achieved membership in Turpin’s Million-Dollar Club every year since joining the company in 1987. She has also received NJAR’s Real Estate Gold Million Dollar Sales Club award. Turpin’s outstanding reputation and its’ affiliation with Christie’s Great Estates are the primary reasons that she is associated with Turpin.

Gerry-Jo has been a resident of Bernardsville since 1978, moving there from Summit and has lived in New Jersey throughout her life. She is married to an Englishman and has three children. Her home in England serves as her base for traveling to Western Europe. In addition to traveling, Gerry-Jo enjoys the theater, collecting antique silver flatware, gardening, golf and skiing. Her volunteer activities include work as a board member of Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, and she was formerly a trustee for several years for the Somerset Hills Learning Institute (for children with autism). Gerry-Jo was honored as a recipient of the 2008 NJ YMCA Volunteer Recognition Award. She has also served as secretary of her Rosemont College class, is a past PTA President, is a member of the Bernardsville Garden Club, and of the Church of St. John-on-the Mountain.

Gerry-Jo has a Bachelor of Arts degree and is a certified art teacher. She also completed the certification program of the New York School of Interior Design. For ten years she had her own design and manufacturing business. This background, together with having acted as general contractor for building a home of her own, renovated several properties and invested in rental real estate, enables her to advise customers on various projects. Gerry-Jo enjoys all aspects of real estate, particularly negotiating, finding the perfect property for buyers, and marketing her listings. She has wide experience in listing and selling land, new construction, antique homes and has had the pleasure of listing and selling many estate properties. She also has broad experience in working with Relocation customers.

Priding herself on being an outstanding real estate professional, Gerry-Jo credits her focus, commitment, energy, negotiating skills and continuing education in the real estate field for her successful real estate career.