StayNJ: Groundbreaking Property Tax Relief Plan for New Jersey Seniors

Democratic state leaders recently unveiled an innovative and controversial property tax relief proposal for senior citizens in New Jersey, which caused significant disruptions in state budget negotiations over the past few weeks. This groundbreaking plan, known as StayNJ, aims to reduce property taxes by an impressive 50% for homeowners aged 65 and above. Spearheaded by State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and endorsed by State Senate President Nick Scutari, both Democrats, this initiative promises to revolutionize tax relief for seniors in the state. During a press conference held on Wednesday, Governor Phil Murphy expressed his pride in the fiscally responsible agreement reached between him and the lawmakers, highlighting the monumental impact it will have on seniors' ability to stay in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy, alongside state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and state Senate President Nick Scutari, made a highly anticipated announcement during a press conference this week. They revealed the comprehensive StayNJ program, which aims to provide New Jersey's senior homeowners with an unprecedented level of property tax relief. This proposal, backed by both Democratic leaders, has already caused waves in the state's political landscape and is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of seniors across New Jersey. The StayNJ plan offers an exciting prospect for seniors aged 65 and above, as it proposes to cut their property taxes in half. With soaring property tax rates being a significant concern for many seniors, this relief program could make a world of difference in their financial well-being. The brainchild of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, this proposal has gained considerable traction and support from lawmakers who recognize the pressing need to address the challenges faced by senior homeowners. Governor Phil Murphy expressed his pride in reaching a fiscally responsible agreement that prioritizes historic property tax relief for New Jersey's seniors. This ground-breaking initiative represents a significant milestone in the state's efforts to address the financial burdens faced by older homeowners. By reducing property taxes, the StayNJ plan seeks to empower seniors to remain in their beloved state and maintain their homes, fostering a sense of stability and security in their golden years. The introduction of the StayNJ property tax relief plan for New Jersey seniors marks a turning point in the state's commitment to supporting its aging population. This visionary initiative, championed by Democratic leaders including Governor Phil Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and Senate President Nick Scutari, aims to provide substantial relief by cutting property taxes in half for homeowners aged 65 and above. By significantly reducing the financial burden on seniors, StayNJ ensures they can afford to stay in New Jersey, continuing to contribute to their communities and enjoy the comforts of their homes. This landmark proposal is a testament to the state's dedication to addressing the needs of its senior residents and fostering a brighter future for New Jersey's aging population.

Real Estate and Fireworks in New Jersey: The 4th of July 2023!

🎉🎆Hey, Jersey folks! 🎉🎆You can feel the sun on your face and the smell of BBQ in the air – Summer's here, and with it comes the magnificent 4th of July 2023! 🌭🇺🇸 When you think 4th of July, what comes to mind? Night skies painted with beautiful colors, right? 💥🌌Well, in northern New Jersey, we're serving up that star-spangled spectacle in several of our lovely towns. From Montclair to Livingston and beyond, we've got you covered for the firework festivities this year. Let's take a virtual tour, shall we? 😉 If you have another dazzling venue in mind, don't be shy, hit us up at info@njhomesmart.com 📧 Here's your ticket to the spectacular 4th of July fireworks in New Jersey, 2023: 🎇 Essex County: Hold on tight! Bloomfield/Montclair's Brookdale Park is turning into a free fireworks festival on July 3rd. There'll be live performances and then – kaboom – a firework show when the stars come out! 🌟 Cedar Grove's Panther Park is another must-see with their firework display scheduled on June 29th, complete with music, food, and oodles of fun. And if the rain plays spoilsport, we've got a rain check for June 30th, 2023. 🌦️ Livingston is bringing it on this 4th of July with children's programs, food trucks, live music, and a classic car show. They're cranking it up a notch with The Real Diamond Band performing from 7:30PM - 9PM. And, of course, the dazzling fireworks show at 9PM.  Wait! We're not done! Millburn, Newark, Verona, and all over Bergen County, there are amazing spots to catch the fireworks. From Allendale's family-friendly festivities to Ridgewood's 113th annual Fourth of July celebration, we've got it all. And did we mention the State Fair Meadowlands, with its 18 days of fun and fireworks on July 3rd and 4th? 🎠🎆 And let's not forget our beloved Jersey Shore. This summer, it'll be lit (literally) with fireworks overhead! From Keansburg's Fourth of July Family Fun Fest to the spectacle at the Beachwood beachfront, you're in for a treat. Make sure you check the weather and event updates before you head out in your stars-and-stripes ensemble. 🏖️🎇 Here's the list -- Monday, July 3Asbury Park: Activities will run from 8 to 9 p.m. at the Boardwalk and Beach. Early arrival is suggested to secure a spot. Contact: 732-502-4528, or visit cityofasburypark.com. Bradley Beach: Fireworks start at dusk on the beachfront. If it rains, the event is rescheduled for Sunday, July 9. Visit bradleybeachnj.gov for more info. Colts Neck: Celebrations begin at 8 p.m. at Bucks Mill Park, 137 Bucks Mill Road. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. More details can be found at coltsneckbusiness.org. Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids: Fireworks display will start at dusk at 275 Beachway Ave. Contact: 732-495-1400, or visit keansburgamusementpark.com. Lacey: The event starts at 9:15 p.m. at Lacey High School, 73 Haines St., Lanoka Harbor section. Live music will start at 7:30 p.m. If it rains, the event will take place on Wednesday, July 5. Contact: 609-693-1100, or visit laceytownship.org or oceancountytourism.com. Lakehurst: Fireworks will be launched at dusk at Lake Horicon. There will be an antique car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lakehurst Elementary School, 301 Union Ave. A parade will take place at 11 a.m. on Union Ave. Contact: 732-657-4141, or visit lakehurst-nj.gov. Tuesday, July 4Atlantic Highlands: The Atlantic Highlands Firemen's Fair will take place at Atlantic Highlands Marina, 2 Simon Lake Drive, from 6 to 11 p.m. Fireworks will be launched daily from July 5 to 8. Also, fireworks will commence at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, July 7, at Atlantic Highlands Harbor. Contact: 732-291-1444, or visit ahnj.com. Beach Haven: A display will take place at 9:30 p.m. at Bay Village, Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven. If it rains, the event will be held on Wednesday, July 5. Contact: 609-492-2800, or visit bayvillagelbi.com. Beachwood: Fireworks start at dusk on the beach on Bayside Avenue, accompanied by food, vendors, music, and activities. Visit beachwoodusa.com for more details. Brielle: As part of the River Queen boat cruises, fireworks will start at 7:30 p.m. at 800 Ashley Ave. The event includes dinner and a cash bar. The cruise takes place regardless of the weather, but fireworks are weather dependent. Contact: 732-528-6620, or visit riverboattour.com. Lakewood: Fireworks will take place after the BlueClaws game at FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way. Admission is included with a game ticket. Additional fireworks shows will follow the games on July 7 and 28. Contact: 732-901-7000, or visit blueclaws.com. Long Branch: As part of the 30th annual Oceanfest, which starts at 10 a.m., fireworks will start at 9 p.m. The fest features musicians, dancers, clowns, musical acts, food vendors, and more. Contact: 732-222-0400, or visit oceanfestnj.com. Seaside Heights: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. on the boardwalk. Visit seaside-heightsnj.org or call 732-793-9100 for more info. Thursday, July 6Brick: Fireworks will start at Windward Beach Park, 265 Princeton Ave., as part of the SummerFest Concert Series. The food court opens at 6 p.m., accompanied by a beer and wine garden. Music begins around 7 p.m. Visit bricktownship.net, facebook.com/BrickTwpNJGovernment, or oceancountytourism.com for more info. July 8Freehold Township: Fireworks will take place at Michael J. Tighe Park, 65 Georgia Road, as part of Freehold Township Day, a celebration of veterans. A car show starts at 3 p.m., followed by a festival from 4 to 11 p.m. featuring bands, free children's rides, and more. Contact: 732-294-2199, or visit freeholdtownshipday.com. July 9Jackson: Fireworks will be part of the Food Trucks and Fireworks event, which runs from 4 to 9 p.m. The event will feature music, a DJ, and giveaways, and will be held at John F. Johnson Junior Memorial Park, 260 Kierych Memorial Drive. Contact: 732-928-1260, or visit oceancountytourism.com. July 12Seaside Heights: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. on the boardwalk, and will continue every subsequent Wednesday through August. Visit exit82.com or oceancountytourism.com for more info. Have a sparkling Fourth of July, Jersey! 🎉🎇

The Summer Selling Season Is Here!

It's that time of year again! The summer selling season is here, and buyers and sellers alike are gearing up to make their moves in the real estate market. Whether you're looking to sell your home or buy a new one, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful transaction. First, let's talk about buyers. If you're in the market for a new home, there are a few things you should be aware of. First and foremost, make sure you're pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes. This will give you a better idea of what you can afford, and will also make you a more attractive buyer in the eyes of sellers. Additionally, work with a real estate agent who knows the area well and can help you find properties that meet your needs and budget. Now, let's talk about sellers. If you're planning to list your home for sale this summer, there are a few things you can do to ensure it stands out from the competition. Here are the top five things you should do to prepare your home for sale: 1. Declutter and Clean: One of the most important things you can do when preparing your home for sale is to declutter and clean. Remove all unnecessary items from your home, including excess furniture, décor, and personal items. Then, deep clean your home from top to bottom to make it look and smell fresh and inviting. 2. Make Repairs: Make any necessary repairs before listing your home for sale. This includes fixing leaky faucets, repairing cracks in the walls, and replacing any broken appliances or fixtures. 3. Refresh Paint: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home's appearance. Consider repainting any rooms that look tired or dated, and stick to neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. 4. Maximize Curb Appeal: The first impression your home makes on potential buyers is crucial. Make sure your home's exterior looks its best by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding some colorful flowers or plants. 5. Stage Your Home: Finally, consider staging your home to showcase its best features. This can include rearranging furniture, adding décor, and even renting furniture to create a cohesive and appealing look. Lastly, let's talk about mortgages. With interest rates still near historic lows, it's a great time to buy a home. However, make sure you understand the different types of mortgages available and choose the one that's right for you. Work with a mortgage broker or lender to get pre-approved and understand the costs associated with getting a mortgage. In conclusion, the summer selling season is a great time to buy or sell a home. By following these tips, you can make sure your transaction goes smoothly and you get the best possible outcome. Happy house hunting! Give us a call today!