Market Report: April 23, 2013

Fix or to Find? If you have a great contractor connection, love a project or are just looking to save a few bucks, a fixer upper may seem like the perfect solution to your home search. But is it right for you, your family, your timeline and your wallet? While a home in need of a little TLC may seem like—and maybe ultimately be—a great choice, make sure you're doing a deep dive into the true cost of fixer upper ownership and factoring in all the overhauls, refreshes and little tweaks you're looking to make. This great calculator helps you review and assess the changes you're planning to make from the roof to the subfloors and everything in between, then determines an approximate cost based on the size and layout of your home. Click here to try it now! Scope Sales Looking for a peek at sales goings-on in your future neighborhood? Click herefor The New York Times' Residential Sales Around the Region graph. It highlights a sale in four key price ranges for NYC, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, New Jersey and Connecticut. Browse the who, what and where including the home size and specs, property taxes, escrow period and original list price.  No More Contingencies? Buyers waive mortgage contingencies Once standard for purchase contracts, many prospective buyers are waiving mortgage contingencies to make their bids more appealing to the seller. This provision—which protects a buyer's down payment if he is unable to secure a mortgage—has become commonplace since the 2008 recession and, despite the eased lending terms in the last year, remains a risky move. Read more here... Whether you're buying, selling or just exploring, Suburban Jungle Realty Group can help. Click here to visit SJ's site where you can browse available properties in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, or connect with local neighborhood experts to find the spot that's right for you and your family.  Check Out... Maplewood, NJ!  Once a weekend town, Maplewood still holds on to this charming, country home aesthetic. Called the “Berkshires of the suburbs,” it has long drawn influxes of Manhattanites looking to feel far away while still maintaining fantastic proximity—less than 19 miles—to midtown. For many residents, the draw of Maplewood is its diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, religion and background. The town is teeming with artists, authors and other creative types. SJ's Home of the Week! Are you looking to call Maplewood home? This week's home pick is truly a "best kept secret," tucked away at the end of a private lane. This beautiful, very private Colonial includes 6 BRs and 4.2 BAs, plus wood burning fireplaces in both the library and living rooms. The ground level includes a sweeping foyer which leads to a large eat-in kitchen with updated appliances, formal dining room ideal for entertaining and a large living room. Click here for more on this home.  What's the Buzz in YOUR Neighborhood? There's A LOT going on this week! Here's some great happenings in your current—or future—neighborhood.  Port Washington Celtic Thunder: Port Washington will host Paul Byrom, Ireland's premier young tenor. Since 2007 Byrom has been a part of the acclaimed Celtic Thunder, performing as a soloist with performances including "She" and Billy Joel's "Lullaby." His new album currently sits on top of the charts and, during his solo U.S. tour, he'll be performing at Landmark on Main Street. Click here for more.  New Canaan, CT Artisan's Trunk Show: On Saturday starting at 10:00AM, area artisans will host a trunk show featuring handmade jewelry, apparel, stationery, sweet treats, wood carvings and much more. Artists featured include Regine Stone and Laurette O'Neil, Zach Hadlock, Lynda Campbell and Karen Zuckert. Click here for more on this can't-miss sale and these beautiful one-of-a-kind items.  Palisades, NY Winter Farmers Market: Palisades Indoor Farmers Market has become a go-to for New York and New Jersey residents. The market offers everything from fish and meat to fruits and veggies, baked goods, ice cream, pastas, honey, tea, cheese, coffees and much more. Inspired by the farm-to-table movement, the market offers new foods from local purveyors. Click here for more.