Brian Jannone

As reported by NJ.com, for the third straight year, the Warren Township Recreation Commission was officially approved by Santa Claus to collect letters from children and send the letters directly to him at the North Pole.

As we all know, Santa is very busy this time of year and relies on local townships to get him every girl and boy’s list before Christmas Eve. While Santa’s crew of reindeer and elves is world-renowned and studied in business schools for their groundbreaking efficiency, there’s just no way for them to collect letters, make toys and deliver them all by Christmas morning.

From November 22nd to December 10th, children dropped more than 200 letters into the speciality designated “Letters to Santa” mailbox, located in front of the Warren Municipal Building. Last Friday, the elves opened the letters and had a little pizza party to celebrate.

“All the letters go directly to Santa and his crew” Warren Township’s Recreation Director, Eleanora Hermann, reports. The big man in red does the best he can to respond to respond to every child’s specific requests. Telling Santa you’ll be leaving out cookies certainly helps, though. “Santa loooooves cookies” Eleanora mentions.

Some of the letters are so wonderful and touching that they’re saved and posted to the Township Website (don’t worry – they’re still sent to Santa right after). Some of the helpers, who actually happen to live in Warren and know some of the children personally, let Santa know so he can respond with a personalized letter.

The first year the “Letters to Santa” program was instituted in Warren, there were roughly 100 responses. Each year the tally increases, so more elves are added to help open them all. So many elves showed up that some had to be turned away – but they’ll be back to help with the towns 3rd annual Yuletide Bonfire that will take place in late January.

Hermann has been collaborating with Santa for quite a while now. “I’ve been doing this 13 years in other towns, so I just brought it to Warren with me”. added Hermann.

“The parents all rave about it. We get a lot of correspondence from them thanking me and Santa, and letting us know how excited the kids are.”

Because of her close relationship with Santa Claus, Hermann also indicated that she’d like to institute a “Breakfast with Santa” program, at some point in the future. However, none of the local schools have lunch rooms. She’s thinking of perhaps doing it in conjunction with the Warren Fire Department, so that its facilities can be used.

Remember to leave your chimney open this Friday night. Maybe, if you’ve been good, you’ll get a visit from St. Nick!

In what will be one of the most interesting concepts brought to the Bridgewater Commons in years, AMC theaters is launching a new concept – having dinner with your movie. As you enjoy a feature film, waiters (quietly) bring you your order to enjoy while watching.

The concept was originally pioneered by Alamo Drafthouse, before being adopted by AMC. Currently AMC has introduced this format to Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, MO; and West Orange, NJ. New locations are planned to open in the near future in Dallas, TX; as well as two more operations in Central New Jersey – one in the Commons, as well as another in Menlo Park, which are being converted from Conventional theaters to the new Dine-In format.

The AMC concept features two levels of dining – Fork and Screen, which is essentially regular, reserved seats, going for about $10 more than a conventional ticket, and Cinema Suites, which feature more spacious seating, for about $15 more than a regular ticket. However, a credit of $10 is given for food. Menus are available online and prices are fairly reasonable – much better then the $7 popcorn you typically get. Items include sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, buffalo wings, burgers and more, as well as a full bar. The bar exists in the lobby of the theater, making it a great spot for an after-movie drink or to meet up with friends before heading inside. If you’re looking to see a movie this holiday and grab a bite to eat, the new Bridgewater AMC is worth checking out!

During the first half of this year, home sales surged thanks in part to the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. This incentive program helped to move homes swiftly and provided a much needed jolt to the housing market which provides employment to thousands, if not millions of Americans.

However, since June home sales have been slowing down. In speaking with numerous colleagues, it seems when the tax credit went away, so did many of the potential buyers. What they fail to realize, however, is that there's more than just one incentive to buy a home.

Mortgage Interest Rates are at a record low with 30 year fixed conforming rates at under 4.5%. This may not sound like an earth-shattering difference - but a 1% increase in mortgage rates means a loss of 10% purchasing power. Mortgage rates have no promise of staying this low and we all know - what goes down, must come up. A wise purchase now can save you thousands of dollars over the term of your mortgage - in some cases, even more then you would have saved with the tax credit.

Speaking of Tax Credits, a bill currently sits on Governor Christie's desk that would provide another tax incentive for homebuyers in the state of New Jersey for both new construction and existing homes. While the law has yet to go into effect, once it does the credits are only available on a first come, first serve basis - meaning it's best to be ready to move once the bill goes into effect.

This combination - record low mortgage rates and a potential tax credit program for New Jersey - make an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which could save you thousands of dollars when purchasing a home. However, mortgage rates change day-to-day, sometimes even by the hour. Make sure you're ready to take advantage of a golden opportunity - call a Realtor today!

While a good portion of our business at The Jannone Team focuses on Bridgewater, Hillsborough, and Basking Ridge, we serve Central New Jersey and all its communities. We have been active with successfully marketing and selling homes in the Historical town of Somerville.

The town of Somerville is the county seat of Somerset County and encompasses only 2.36 sq miles. It is surrounded on all four sides by Bridgewater. It boasts a diversified selection of homes for everyone, from apartments all the way up to Victorian homes and Stately Colonials.

This quaint town might be small in size but it is large in spirit. It is the sponsor of many downtown events. One of the most well known events is The Tour of Somerville, also known as the "Kentucky Derby of Cycling." This Tour is held every Memorial Day and it is the oldest major bicycle race in the United States and a legend in the lore of bicycle racing. People from around the world come to participate.

Every Friday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day Somerville has a party on Main Street. Come stroll, shop, dine in the outdoor cafes and view hundreds of vintage cars. Also, there are free outdoor concerts held outside the Historic Courthouse at 7 pm and fireworks.

Somerville is a great place for commuters, with easy access to all major highways going N, E, S, and W . . . including routes 22, 28, 202, 206, I-287 and I-78. It’s about 30 minutes from Newark International Airport, 20 minutes from Flemington, 30 minutes from Princeton, within 1 hour to New York City and Philadelphia. Somerville is serviced by NJ Transit’s Bus and Train lines with service to many destinations including, Newark/New York, Trenton Line with connections to Philadelphia.

There are no official distinctions of neighborhoods or sections in Somerville, but it can be roughly divided as follows:

• Downtown – The Historic Somerville Main Street District is lively and bustling with business. Well known for their antique shops, many resturants – including fine dining, and local businesses. Somerville NJ Transit Train Station which has service to Newark/New York and Philadelphia. This is the center of life in Somerville with plenty of people moving through each day.

• Hospital Section – This area surrounds Somerset Medical Center. It offers tree lined streets and a quite residential lifestyle. Yet, still convenient and just minutes from major highways and shopping areas. The homes vary in size from small and quaint, to larger colonial style homes.

•West End Section – The west end section of town is within walking distance to the downtown. In this section of Somerville there are many beautiful Victorian and Stately Colonial Style homes.

• National Register Properties in Somerville

Somerville has a significant number of National Register and Register-Eligible properties representing various eras. They are:

o THE WALLACE HOUSE and THE OLD DUTCH PARSONAGE
o THE ROBERT MANSION (Somerville Municipal Building)
o THE J. HARPER SMITH ESTATE AND CARRIAGE HOUSE
o HISTORIC SOMERVILLE MAIN STREET DISTRICT
o SOMERVILLE FIRE MUSEUM
o VICTORIAN TRAIN STATION
o The 1909 HISTORIC COURTHOUSE and GREEN, located at Grove and Main
o SAINT JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND RECTORY
o Revolutionary War Sites in Somerville!

These are rough distinctions and include most of the town, but this blog is meant to give you a general idea of what to find in this community. Somerville is often overlooked in favor of its big neighbor in Bridgewater, but for many people Somerville is a viable option when looking for an affordable home.

Links:

Our Listing at 33 S. Adamsville Rd. in Somerville.
Our Listing at 54 Lisa Terrace in Somerville.
Map of Somerville

Recently, we participated in the sale of three homes in The Hills - Basking Ridge section of Bernards township. We've experienced a demand for homes in this area. What exactly makes Basking Ridge such a desirable place to live?

"Location, Location, Location" is one of the biggest factors that goes into purchasing a home. Basking Ridge is set in the rolling hills and lush forestry of northern Somerset County, with plenty of breathtaking views and great scenery. Neighborhoods are serene and peaceful. Basking Ridge is a perfect home for commuters thanks to its proximity to New York City, being approximately 50 minutes away, 30 minutes from Newark and New Brunswick and 15 minutes from Morristown and Somerville. It offers quick access east and west on Route 78, north and south on Route 28 and points east via bus and train.

Location isn't everything when buying a home, and aside from being a visually appealing town, it's also a great place to live. Bernards Township was ranked 22nd out of 556 municipalities in New Jersey, and it's neighbor, Bedminster, was ranked 1st overall. Basking Ridge's High School ranked 102nd Nationwide and 2nd overall in New Jersey!

Homes in Basking Ridge range from grand, opulent estates, to serene and cozy condos. If you'd like more information on buying Real Estate in Basking Ridge, call us today at 732-469-7470