Photos from Pascack Valley Real Estate, Lisa and Robert Hammerstein
Welcome to the Pascack Valley in the Lovely Bergen County of New Jersey
The ResevoirLocated in: Pascack Valley (Emerson, NJ)
Hi everyone 
and Lisa says Hi! 
I am reposting this from Bob's post again in case you had missed it.
October has arrived and so has our updated Real Estate Newsletter!
Fall is here in NJ and the temperatures are cooling off a little too quickly for my tastes.
New Jersey is the Garden State.
The market has heated up as the temperatures drop all around the country. The fall foliage spectacular that we in the northeast get to enjoy, will soon be in full swing as well.
Time is running out for the first time home buyers as well. If you can close in 30 to 60 days you could still take advantage of the tax credit but you better hurry. You must be closed by November 30th to still take the credit.
Business is great and I am excited at the possibilities available for first time home buyers as well as sellers looking to move up. 
Historically, interest rates are still at an all time low but are creeping up slowly.
Either moving up or buying for the first time, now is a great time to make the move up to home ownership.
This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.
This month's issue includes topics such as:
"Home Buyer's Tax Credit Changes Possible"
"Don't Let An Over-priced Home Be a Humbling Lesson"
"Job-hunting Strategies For Trailing Spouses"
"Home Staging Helps Bring Top Dollar Sale"
"How to Stay on Top of Mortgage Payments During a Short-Term Financial Crisis"
Plus a roundup of September real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.
Please Click on the button below to access my newsletter:
My Fondest "Memories at ActiveRain"|There Are Too Many! but Robert A. Swetz challenged us to come up with some good memories to re-visit so I rummaged through my box of AR memories. First of all, I thought Robert had a stroke of genius with this contest because those of us who have been in the Rain remember back when it was a "small" somewhat intimate community. But my oh my has it grown. That is not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed there are now over a hundred thousand more members since I joined. The more the merrier, I say. So I tried to think about my fondest memory here at Active Rain and came up with the following post. I simply thought that it says it best for me and I hope that many other Rainers will agree. We really are like one big FAMILY here so without further adieu I give you My Fondest "Memories at Activerain".
We are family was a song done by Sister Sledge in the 80's. I connect life events with music which is something that I've done as long back as I can remember. This week we have welcomed in another new year with the start to 2008'. We've read many posts here on Active Rain as well as through other social networks. Connecting through social networking has catapulted us into a new age in a way that many of us never dreamed imaginable in our life times.
This past year has been such a myriad of events in the world and it promises to be a year filled with more of things both exciting and unknown for 2008'. This week alone the Active Rain network was able to be part of an unimaginable family reunion with Jay McGillicuddy finding his birth mother after a lifetime of not knowing her. This was a story that was right out of a fairytale novel. It was so touching as told from the heart of his beautiful wife and fellow Rainer, Monika McGillicuddy. For those of you who haven't read this story, you must take a moment to read it. You'll be amazed - I know we were.
We saw many of our Active Rain friends in California go through frightening wildfires that put many out of their homes in 2007'. Now they are being threatened by other possible natural disasters with the torrential storms on the West Coast. The outpouring of e-mails and posts last year set off a chain reaction of caring that stretched from one side of the Country to the other. We're wishing our West Coast friends hope and well being for the future.
Just in time for the New Year, Rich Jacobson shared with us a bit of his family joy with a sweet proposal by his son to his fiance. Now that's what I call romantic! Thanks for sharing that with us Rich!
Teresa Boardman posed the question of how are real friends different from social networking friends when through her social networking she was able to locate a set of lost keys. She aptly named her post "Friends".
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman shared her story of hope and how she learned to make plans for dealing with life's curve-balls in her Business Plan for 2008'. Here's wishing you all good things in 08' Sally!
Then this morning I read a post by one of our good friends here in the Rain, Brad Andersohn. His story touched my heart so deeply because it was a story of overcoming life's challenges as a family. That's when I had my musical moment - We "Are" family here and when we connect through social networking. We ask that you all send Brad and his family your prayers and good wishes.
By connecting through social networks, we are sharing more than professional tips and advice, we are sharing all of life's up's and downs with each other. It's just like We Are Family! We all need each other and through social networking we are finding out that we are not alone!
A Picture is worth a thousand words in the Pascack Valley of Bergen County, New Jersey. Summer is taking it's last breath and soon the landscape will become ablaze once more with color. The Woodcliff Lake Causeway as seen from the Woodcliff Lake Train Station is one of the many pictures worth a thousand words in the Pascack Valley. Just imagine the commuters delight on a bright and sunny Fall day while they gaze upon this sight as they wait for their train.
Our Buyer Brought Tears To My Eyes today when my husband, Bob called to confirm their final walk through before the closing of the home they had purchased. We were the Buyer's agents on this transaction. We were contacted by these Buyers back in the beginning of the year through our website www.HammersTeam.com.
The husband is a United States Marine and the wife is a part time school teacher. Normally when people with small children bring their child or children to look at homes it can be difficult. But this couple has the cutest most well behaved little boy we ever met. We looked forward to having him along because he kept us so entertained.
The first time we met these Buyers they wanted us to just take them to drive around our area of expertise which is the Pascack Valley area. We spent a couple of hours driving them around and they asked some questions but for the most part were very quiet. Sometimes we get a sense for a Buyer the first time we meet but they were so quiet that it was difficult to read them. As time passed we took them out to look at homes as they used what they learned from us to help them to make a decision on which town they felt suited them the best.
They chose the quaint Pascack Valley town of Westwood so we concentrated on scouring the town to find the perfect home. The first home they saw during one of our trips that caught their eye was sadly out of their price range. But we told them we would keep an eye on it to see if the price would adjust to their range.
Time passed and the couple found a home that was more moderately priced and they made an offer which was accepted. During the Attorney Review process, the Seller decided to change her mind and withdrew the house from the market. We were all shocked and saddened by this turn of events because the home seemed to be a perfect fit for them. More time passed and we thought that the couple had given up hopes of finding anything that fit their needs and their budget.
Then one day we got a call from them and happily we began the search once more. Suddenly that first home they had set their hopes on reduced their price so we visited the home. This was a modest Cape Cod style home set on a beautiful street in the popular Goodwin Park area of the town of Westwood. It was an estate with no bells or whistles but the location was a dream for this young couple. The bidding process began and to make this long story short, the couple were able to get the house of their dreams in Westwood NJ.
The main reason we love being real estate agents is that we get to make the American dream a reality for people. This story was a case in point. Once we got close to the day of closing, Bob made the call to confirm that final walk through and while on speaker phone spoke to the wife. Sitting across the room from him I could hear the excitement in her voice as Bob told her that we were so happy that they were able to get the house of their dreams. I didn't expect it but without warning, tears of joy just began to stream down my face as I listened and remembered all we had gone through with them to get to this point. So that's the story of how Our Buyer Brought Tears To My Eyes!
As in my Part One Farewell to Summer from a Garden State Gardener illustrated, it has been a colorful season. Since I am such an avid gardener, I simply could not fit all of the flowers I had to share in Part One, so without further adieu I give you Part Two!
Before leaving off I was saying how I welcome Clematis growing in my garden anywhere. How could I resist these beauties?
I will take flowering everything and that includes flowering bushes such as this breathtaking Weigelia & Viburnum.
There is the occasional intruder but trust me they are ever so welcome to stop by anytime! They don't eat much.
It has been a bountiful Summer indeed as I can't help myself from planting in every corner of my yard.
Some might say I have a Flower Addiction and they would be right! Life would be so drab without the beauty they bring.
It's easy to see that I can't get enough of this stuff. There are many more that I couldn't fit into this post.
The sweet scent of the butterfly bush blooms late in the season just in time to bring the Butterflies.
Look at who stopped in. Well, I can't lie. They dropped in for the food I put out for them.
The Hydrangea remind me of Cape Cod and the water and they're a beautiful way to end this post.
As for that secret I promised in Part One of my Farewell to summer - my garden may look huge but it's a small country garden with just enough space to squeeze in every flower I can. It's a bit messy or casual and it's a true labor of love from start to finish and so was this post. I hope it brought everyone a glimpse of beautiful memories of the season of Summer.
A special thanks to my husband Bob for his part in the photography portion of this post!
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Pascack Valley Real Estate Buying or Selling? We're the stress-free real estate solution! Call the Team that's on your side - www.HammersTeam.com Pascack Valley and Bergen County area Realty.
Bergen County residents, you'll find we are a down to earth husband and wife team dedicated to providing you with the best Customer Service available. With Lisa's Certified Residential Specialist credentials and Bob's Computer Professional credentials, we guarantee "HammersTeam" will provide you with high tech service blended with our first hand knowledge of our hometowns. Our high tech approach keeps us on the cutting edge of new techniques to service your real estate needs. When you work with us, you're sure to get that "Team" advantage. We are available to you by e-mail as well as by phone every day.
Lifelong
"In helping others, we enrich our own lives"! Bob and Lisa - Your Hometown Winning Team!
You'll find us well-versed in all aspects of Residential sales in the Bergen County area and eager to help you understand everything about the process. Specializing in the Pascack Valley area, working with both the first time home Buyer on a limited budget as well as the million dollar Seller looking for a highly qualified Realtor team. Our area of expertise is listening to our clients in order to understand and meet their needs using all the most up to date Technology available. We're happy to offer Old fashioned Customer Service coupled with Modern Technological Advances. We're your perfect Team choice! Click here and allow us to be your Pascack Valley Real Estate Resource! Enjoy the many pictorial shows we have created here to illustrate not only the beauty of our area but our promise to you to utilize our technical expertise in Selling your home!
Buyers will find us to be not only knowledgeable about the Pascack Valley and surrounding Bergen County areas but also about the Home Buying process. We'll walk you through the entire process from the start guiding you through the mortgage pre-qualification process to finish and will make sure you feel comfortable about understanding the process. Through technology, we'll keep you up to the minute on all new listings to suit your criteria for the perfect home in your area of choice. From financing your new home to understanding the Real Estate Contract to a successful Closing when you get the keys to your new home! We will utilize our negotiation skills to get you the best value for your budget. We're available by telephone or e-mail anytime of day and night and we return all phone calls promptly!
Check out some of the Top Places To Live in America, as reported by CNN's Money Magazine. The Pascack Valley's own town of River Vale is #29 on the list! Many of the Bergen County and particularly Pascack Valley towns share the same criteria used in the development of this list of towns. We're here to offer free information about the Communities we service. We don't stop there either. We take time to listen to your needs and develop a strategy for making sure you find the perfect "Home of your Dreams"!
Hillsdale A down-to-earth residential community, where families enjoy a safe, quiet quality of life. The Hillsdale borough has a population of approximately 10,000. It has many qualities that strongly appeal to home buyers, including an excellent Pascack Valley School system, recreation groups and facilities as well as a solid transportation infrastructure. Hillsdale was the subject of a 2004' article in the The New York Times, titled A Haven For Commuters with Families. For even more information about the town of Hillsdale visit our full service website page about Hillsdale.
Westwood is known as the 'Hub" of the Pascack Valley area in the center of Bergen County and is approximately 10 miles north-northwest of the George Washington Bridge and approximately 7 miles south of the New Jersey - New York state border. Westwood has a trendy downtown Business District with Stores that are sure to appeal to everyone. The Pascack Valley Train line also stops in Westwood and NJ Transit Buses are also plentiful. Westwood schools are top notch and children are joined by the children from Washington Township to attend Westwood Jr/Sr High School. For even more information about the town of Westwood visit our full service website page about Westwood.
River Vale is a small township setting a new standard for family living. Real estate options consist of single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses. The River Vale community has a lush, park-like character, prompting some to call it the Garden Spot of the Pascack Valley. The scenery is further enhanced with quaint, winding roads and scenic, historic homes. River Vale Golf Courses are an enjoyable community feature. Along the same lines as the Hillsdale New York Times article, the township of River Vale was featured by Money Magazine as number 29 on their list of the Top 100 Places To Live In America! The River Vale Schools manage three campuses, serving the elementary and middle grades. High school students then move on to the Pascack Valley High School, where they are joined by Hillsdale students. For even more information visit our full service website page about River Vale.
Emerson The quintessential Suburban Community of Emerson has a closely knit population that truly deserves its reputation as "The Family Town". Like so many of the Pascack Valley towns, the town center revolves around it's transportation link to NYC with a quaint Train Station and convenient strip of shops and Restaurants. The town main strip is currently undergoing many changes with an updated New Emerson Pharmacy, affordable Senior Housing Complex as well as the strip mall on Kinderkamack Road. This mall promises to be a super convenience to the local residents of the Emerson community which will include a Super Stop n' Shop. The Emerson Schools are highly rated and enjoy a rich Sports program. For even more information visit our full service website page about Emerson.
Washington Township Is an upscale town which has maintained it's family atmosphere. The town of Washington Township has undergone recent updates to keep up with the ever changing times. The Township's Public Library got a new face lift along with the conveniently located town shopping center on Pascack Road. Residents are sure to meet their basic needs with a major Grocery Store as well as Family Movie Theatre and several other specialty stores and eateries. Picturesque Schlegel Lake in the center of the township can be enjoyed by members as well as residents taking a stroll down the street surrounding the Lake. The township is also known for it's Condo complexes located conveint to major highways. Washington Township Schools are also top notch and the children join the town of Westwood to attend Westwood Jr/Sr High School located in Washington Township. For even more town information visit our full service website page about Washington Township.
Woodcliff Lake Is an upscale community occupying less than 4 square miles of the Pascack Valley area. The residents enjoy residential dwellings set on properties of no less than 15,000 square feet. Many well known Corporations have made Woodcliff Lake their home. Names such as Ingersoll Rand, BMW, Hilton Hotel, Perillo Tours as well as Sony and KPMG. The borough of Woodcliff Lake offers two large recreational facilities. A County Park named Wood Dale occupies 55 acres and has a large pond which doubles as an Ice Skating Rink in the coldest Winter months. There are also walking paths, children's playground and tennis courts. The Old Mill Complex and a local Park, contains a large swimming area. There are lighted tennis courts and full size athletic fields for a variety of sports throughout the town. Woodcliff Lake Schools are high quality and the children join the Montvale children to attend one of the best High Schools in New Jersey to attend Pascack Hills High School. The popular scenic Woodcliff Lake Train station offers the Pascack Valley Train line for commuters. For even more town information visit our full service website page about Woodcliff Lake.
Park Ridge Is a compact community located on less than 3 square acres and enjoys some of the lowest property tax rates in the Pascack Valley region. The town of Park Ridge operates it's own Electric Utility and the lowest electric rates in New Jersey are enjoyed by it's residents. The town also has it's own Water Utility and it's rates are 20% lower than the local Water Facility. The Park Ridge High School was rated in the top 10% of public High Schools in New Jersey with it's students going on to some of the most competitive Colleges. Park Ridge offers it's residents an Olympic sized Municipal Pool as well as a 12 acre pond which also doubles as an attractive Park area. The borough is the home of the upscale Bear's Nest Townhome complex, the former home to our past President Richard Nixon and Mrs. Nixon. The Pascack Valley Train line goes through the small town for the convenience of commuters. Although small in size, Park Ridge offers it's residents big opportunities for all to enjoy! For even more town information visit our full service website page about Park Ridge.
Montvale The Borough of Montvale offers a broad and diversified program of activities for everyone old and young alike. Starting with the Four parks offering such activities as tennis, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, roller hockey & softball to name a few. If you enjoy bowling than you can find that too at the Montvale Bowling Lanes. And for the horse lover, Mar-Bel Stables offers riding and stabling services. Outdoor Pool facilites are available to Montvale residents on a membership fee basis by the privately run Montvale Swim Club. For the active Senior, the Montvale Senior Club has various trips and activities. Top quality Montvale Schools offer children superior education. Pascack Hills High School is one of the area's top rated schools with students grades 9-12 from Montvale and Woodcliff Lake in attendance. The Pascack Valley Train line as well as NJ Transit buses are available for the convenience of commuters in the community. For even more town information visit our full service website page about Montvale.
Pascack Valley Home Buyer Information
When beginning your search for a home there are many questions that we are here to answer. Click here for a sample of some Pascack Valley Real Estate Home Buying Tips.
Not sure how much you can afford? Click here for our Pascack Valley Mortgage Calculator.
First Time Home Buyers have special needs and we are here to help. Click here for our Pascack Valley First Time Home Buyer Tips.
Pascack Valley Resources
Parks - There are beautiful Parks to be found in the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County. To locate a Park in your area of preference, Click Here to learn more about our local Bergen County Parks.
Schools - The Schools are Top Notch! To decide for yourself which School will suit you and your Family's needs, Click Here to learn more about the Bergen County Local Schools. Or Click Here to learn more about New Jersey Colleges.
Libraries - Public Libraries are a wonderful resource and the Pascack Valley as well as all of Bergen County will delight the most discerning reader - Click Here to find a local Bergen County Library.
Transportation - Relocating to the Pascack Valley or Bergen County in New Jersey? Find the best route. The Bergen County and Pascack Valley have a solid transportation infrastructure. Click Here for information on Pascack Valley Transportation.
Restaurants - Dining out and want to know where to go? Click here and find out why so many love to eat out in the Bergen County and Pascack Valley area. Click Here to find Bergen County Restaurants.
Shopping - New Jersey is famous for shopping malls. Click here for our guide to Bergen County Shopping.
Culture - There is a multitude of things to do in Bergen County - see for yourself! Click Here for Bergen County Arts & Entertainment. You can also enjoy performances of Broadway hit plays and musicals right here in the Pascack Valley area. Click here to view information about Bergen County Theatre.
Entertainment - For an updated schedule of the entertaining things to see and hear, Click Here for a schedule of Bergen County Things To Do.
Recreation - There are Swim Clubs located throughout the Pascack Valley as well as surrounding Bergen County towns. Locate a Swim Club in an area of your choice. Click here for a List of Bergen County Swim Clubs.
Golf Courses - The Bergen County area is known for it's green lawns and beautiful Golf Courses. If you are interested in locating a Golf Course in our area, Click Here for a list of Bergen County Golf Courses.
More Fun Things To Do - With so many Bergen County Things to do you can imagine what a great place it is to live! Museum for Kids and even a Bergen County Zoo!
The quiet beauty of the Pascack Valley is found in the suburban setting.
The Pascack Valley area is a combination of beautiful architecture, gracious landscapes and home town charm.
Pascack Valley Home Seller Information
Choosing the right Realtor® can make all the difference in the World! Click Here to learn How To Chose A Realtor.
Technology in the Real Estate world has become an invaluable resource. Learn how this can help you! Click Here to learn more about Technology and Real Estate.
Having a Full Time Realtor® Team well versed in the area as well as the most cutting edge technology available brings an unparalled level of service to your marketing needs. Selling a home can be a stress-free process when you have a Professional Team on your side. In today's competitive market, we are here to offer you the very best in customer service. We'll show you how our service rises above all others.
When setting the price for your home, we will also share some valuable tips on preparing to realize the most money for your most valuable asset.
For the do-it-yourself Seller, click here for what you should know about Selling Your Home By Owner.
We welcome the opportunity to offer you an in-home presentation to discuss your real estate goals. Click here to request a Free Presentation!
Our focus is always on our customers and their real estate goals. But if you are interested in our track record or the awards and designations that we hold, click here for our List of Awards.
Wondering what your home is worth? Click here to find out Your Bergen County Home Value.
References furnished upon request or click here for our Customer Testimonials.
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Lisa & Robert Hammerstein • Sales Associates • Coldwell Banker • (201)218-6802
• Address • 50 Broadway • Hillsdale, NJ 07642 •
Articles by Pascack Valley Real Estate
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