Realtor Thursday

A conversation with Paula Clark of Coldwell Banker in the Pascack,and Northern Valley.

Located at 50 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ. Old Tappan has a population of 5,482 residents. It is 4 square miles, surrounded by a great deal of watershed property which our town has proudly preserved.  There are laws that protect our waters, not allowing any building within 50-100 ft within the property lines. There are 1,778 households out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them.  1,804 households, and 1,541 families residing in the borough.

The Town and Schools

Old Tappan is a beautiful town where many of the people are committed to making sure it retains its natural state. Old Tappan has an interesting history.  The following locations are on the National Registry. Frederick Haring House,Gerrit Haring House, Teunis Haring House, and the Haring-DeWolf House.  There is one Elementary School, T.Baldwin Demarest, One Middle School, Charles De Wolf, and the High School, Northern Valley Regional of Old Tappan.  The High School also serves Harrington Park, Northvale, and Norwood.  Their sister school is The Northern Valley of Demarest, which serves Closter, Cresskill, and Demarest. Old Tappan offers top schools.  Old Tappan continues to be in the top 10 of best schools in all of New Jersey.

Going Green

As the Chairperson of the Environmental Commission, having been appointed by Mayor Victor Polce, it is our job to maintain the environment, it’s waters, trees, and parks that we have here in Old Tappan. We are embracing, and have put in place “The Green Team” to become a sustainable town.  We are in the process of installing Solar Panels on all of the municipal buildings. We are looking for other ways to become sustainable, and Green. There are two passive parks, Bonnabel, and Oakes Park (pictured right), that offer a walking path, Gazebo, beautiful plantings, waterfalls, and a memorial for our fallen heroes.  There is a memorial with a piece of the World Trade Center, to honor those we lost.  We take great pride in this Memorial.

Transportation and Location

Old Tappan is within a few miles of Westwood, Rockland County, Route 303, Route 59, and the Garden State Parkway.  Old Tappan has one shopping center called Bi/State Plaza (pictured left) that offers A&P, CVS, Bagel store, Starbucks, Massoyan Jewelers, Blockbuster, Pizza Factory, Chinese Takeout, Dairy Queen, Florist, and Verizon Wireless. There is a Red/Tan line Bus that will take you to Westwood, and Rockland County, and a bus in Harrington Park that will take you directly to the Port Authority in NY.

The Economy and Real Estate

The economy hasn’t affected this town as much as it has Nationwide.  Prices are down by approximately 5%.  However there are still homes that receive more than one offer if the price is right.  A purchase price of $500,000 will be a home that will still require updates.
The tax rate for Old Tappan is still one of the lowest in Bergen County at 1.85%. Old Tappan is continuing to grow.  A new library was just built, and offers the latest in technology, and reading material.  Through many fundraisers the town was able to raise this money so as not to impact the homeowners.  A brand new Police station has also been built this year.  The original police station was built back in the 50’s, and nothing had been done since.  The old police station still stands, and will be used for a Senior citizen community center.

Words of Wisdom

The tax credit that was offered back in the Spring of 2009 did help movement of the buying market.   However this year with the low Interest rates have moved the market along even further.  Prices have come down 3% nationwide However Bergen County’s Market has gone up by 7%.  Old Tappan prices are down, but don’t expect to come down that much more.  The time to buy is now, because the Interest rates are at an all time low. If the Interest rates go up, and even if the prices of homes go down, your mortgage payment per month will still be higher.  It is important to speak with a mortgage person that you trust to review the numbers with you, as well as the programs that are available to you. If you are thinking of selling look for a Realtor that has a huge web presence.  You need to reach as many buyers as possible from all over the world.  What is the Realtors track record?  What is their list to sale ratio? When they meet with you for the first time, trust your instincts.  Do they offer you advice on how you can get more dollars in a short period of time?

Realtors and Technology

Having been a Realtor for over 20 years, I have embraced technology to its fullest. I have two web sites that offer buyers, and seller’s information.  Information for our changing market is vital.  An informed buyer/seller is necessary.  Can your Realtor get you to the closing table?  Banks are becoming more, and more wary, and requiring a great deal of information for the buyer to qualify.  Do you qualify? Will you get the Interest rate that you have been promised?  Have the rules changed?  You will be put in touch with a Mortgage Professional that can guide you through the entire process.  Having sold more than 220 Million in sales in the last few years, I have seen and experienced firsthand every aspect of our continuing and changing market.

Home sold by Paula Clark

A funny, but true story…

I was set to have an Open House on a Sunday afternoon.  I arrived at the home an hour earlier to make sure that the home was ready.  Nothing could be further from the truth! It was the day after Halloween, and the homeowner had a huge party the night before.  To say the least this home was nowhere near ready for an open house, or anything else for that matter.  It seemed that many guests decided to sleep over, and they weren’t ready to leave, nor were they dressed for success.   The house was upside down.  I immediately got everyone out of the house, called a maid service, had them come and clean up, and as they were leaving, Our open house visitors were starting to arrive.  Phew…… that was a close one!

About Paula

I have a strong belief system.  First and foremost, Family first.  I have been married for close to 30 years and  we have two sons, 21, and 25. Our oldest is a licensed stock broker, but left that business to sell condos in Hoboken. He is extremely successful, and we are extremely proud of him. Our youngest is still in College, and wants to study music.  I take my business very seriously, and love helping people. I never think about the deal, but what is best for my client.  I stay objective about each, and every one.  I have met amazing people throughout my career, and I really love what I do.

Paula Clark
Coldwell Banker
www.PaulaClarkRealtor.com
Paula@PaulaClarkRealtor.com
Direct: 201-930-3070
Cell: 201-280-0056

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This guest post is part of our Realtor Thursday Series. We invite realtors from towns and cities all over the country, big or small, to participate. Our goal is to “travel” to as many towns as we can in every state. Every town is unique and wonderful to our readers. If you would like to showcase your town, your neighbors and your talents as a realtor, please contact us at liz@dalesiegel.com