9 Prescott Ave., Montclair
List Price: $569,000
Taxes: $15,796
Acreage: 0.17 Acres
5BR/3BA

A new listing, this 10-room 2,244-sq. ft. Colonial has old-fashioned charm and modern flair. The circa 1927 house has a new kitchen with a tin ceiling, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops; the main bathroom is also new. The insulation was recently updated as well. Period details include hardwood floors and leaded glass and moldings in the dining room.  Two sun rooms, cedar closets, a large master bedroom and private backyard are among the other house attributes. The finished, full basement has half a kitchen and a full bathroom. Lastly, there is a detached two car garage with loft storage. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

29 Marion Ave., Millburn
List Price: $1,499,000
Taxes: $26,422
Acreage: 0.44 Acres
6BR/4BA

Also a new listing, this 13-room Colonial is distinguished by supersized rooms, lots of built-ins and other desirable details such as beamed ceilings and numerous windows. The master bedroom and bathroom were recently renovated. In addition, there is a country kitchen with a center island and central air. Finally, there is a partially-finished walkout basement and one car attached garage. The house was built in 1924.  Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

40 Stanley Rd., South Orange
List Price: $498,500
Taxes: $15,114
Acreage: 0.29 Acres
6BR/3BA

This circa 1903 Victorian is another new entry to the market. The house has many grand details, including a large wraparound porch, a dramatic foyer and high ceilings. Curved walls and rounded entryways provide some aesthetic charm, as do built-ins, leaded glass windows and a wood burning fireplace. Modernity is accounted for as well; the new kitchen has granite countertops and an island. Four bedrooms are located on the second floor and two are on the third, next to an office. There is an unfinished basement and two car detached garage. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

15 Fernwood Rd., Maplewood
List Price: $359,000
Taxes: $9,982
Acreage: 0.14 Acres
4BR/2.1BA

Built in 1929 and renovated in 1955, this 12-room Cape Cod is also a new listing. A lot of house is packed into a 1,764-sq. ft. space. There are four bedrooms that are somewhat on the smaller side; one is located on the first floor. There are two offices and an enclosed porch too. Other features include hardwood floors with cherry ribbon inlay; wood trim and moldings; central air; stained glass windows and a fireplace in the living room; and a decently sized two-tier wood deck in the back. A finished, full, walkout basement and two car detached garage round out this property. Open house 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

11 Pillot Pl., West Orange
List Price: $175,000
Taxes: $7,905
Acreage: 0.11 Acres
3BR/1BA

While some of the interior decor leaves a lot to be desired, this seven-room Colonial is noteworthy for its unbeatable price. The house was built in 1940, renovated in 2004 and is the least expensive property showing this week. Details original to the house remain, including a stained glass window and a fireplace in the living room. There is a full basement but no garage. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

With property tax credits and rebates included, the average New Jersey homeowner paid $7,519 in net property taxes last year — compared with $6,244 in 2009 — according to statistics released by the state Department of Community Affairs on Friday.

That $1,275 increase represents a 20.4 percent hike in net property taxes — which is the amount of money that the average New Jersey household actually pays in property taxes after property tax rebates or property tax credits are subtracted.

While Christie has been touting his success in holding overall property tax increases to 2.4 percent, the bigger issue is the cut in direct property tax relief. Average property tax rebates topped $1,000 in each of Corzine’s final three years in office, offsetting more than 14 percent of the average property tax bill. In comparison, Christie’s direct property tax credit covered just 3 percent of last year’s tax bill.

Under Christie, the average New Jersey household is spending well over 11 percent of its income on property taxes — compared with between 8 percent and 9.25 percent under the five previous governors and a national average of less than 3 percent.

Here are local average property taxes according to Townstats.org.
Millburn $19,989
Glen Ridge $17,218
Montclair $16,392
South Orange $15,682
Maplewood $13,118
West Orange $11,822
Bloomfield $9,356

Read the rest of the story here. Photo by Andrew Magill via Flickr.

463 Tillou Rd., South Orange
List Price: $429,000
Taxes: $15,338
Acreage: 0.26 Acres
3BR/2.1BA

Located in the Wyoming section, this eight-room Colonial retains many of its circa 1935 details, such as crown molding and built-ins in the dining room (though the green paint will likely not appeal to all). Many rooms are nicely appointed; the spacious living room, for instance, has a wood burning fireplace and a bay window. A new roof was installed last year, as were windows.  The bathrooms are newer as well. The kitchen is perfunctory but not a gem. There are New York City views in the winter. Finally, there is a partially-finished basement and one car attached garage. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

92 Whitney Rd., Millburn
List Price: $1,165,000
Taxes: $22,467
Acreage: 0.20 Acres
3BR/2.1BA

This nine-room home, situated in the Knollwood section of Short Hills, is not your typical Tudor. Numerous windows and upgrades abound, including a large kitchen with cherry cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances, an oversize island, breakfast bar, pantry and separate eating area. Also, there is a large master suite with a new bathroom; two fireplaces; central air; crown molding; recessed lighting; and thermal windows and doors. Outside, there is a paver patio and a landscaped, fenced-in backyard. The house was constructed in 1928. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

79 Lawrence Ave., West Orange
List Price: $324,000
Taxes: $10,700
Acreage: 0.17 Acres
3BR/1BA

Built in 1940, this seven-room Dutch Colonial has an open front porch with mahogany flooring; a brick fireplace in the living room; good storage space; an office; and a walk-up attic that could be converted into a bedroom. A full, unfinished basement and oversize two car detached garage round out this property. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There have been a good variety of Condos in recent weeks as well. Many of them are boasting reduced prices.

530 Valley Rd., Unit 5M, Montclair
List Price: $248,000
Taxes: $6,605
Association Fee: $511/month
1BR/1BA

The highlight of this one-floor, four room unit in a hi-rise building is the modern, open kitchen with a center island. Other amenities include hardwood floors, central air and a balcony. The building has an elevator, and there is an outdoor pool. The Condo was built in 1964, renovated in 1999, and just reduced by $16,000. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Also recently reduced: The price of 629 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, a nine-room circa 1890 Victorian profiled here and pictured at left, was just lowered by $14,000. Now listed at $525,000, the property is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The second in a series of guides to house hunting in Baristaville.

Home to Seton Hall University, South Orange offers a mix of suburban tranquility and urban flair. Situated between the South Mountain Reservation and Newark, the village shares a school system with sister town Maplewood. The downtown center is anchored by the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC), and boasts a gourmet grocery store and scores of independently owned shops and restaurants. South Orange attracts a diverse mix of residents including recent graduates, young families, jazz musicians and artists; it is also a mecca for upper-middle class African-Americans. The town recently elected one of the youngest mayors in New Jersey, providing a fresh influx of energy to the political scene. Crime is sometimes an issue near the Newark border, and the town has increased police presence there in recent months. Housing stock varies from charming single-family homes to luxury rental apartments and stately mansions in the Montrose Historic District. Steep property taxes are offset by access to train and bus lines, spiffed-up parks and green spaces, an affordable municipal pool, and a vibrant cultural scene.

On the market
Home prices range from $159,900 to $1,295,000 with a good deal of selection between $310,000 and $625,000. About 136 homes are on the market. According to Blossom Vernon, vice president at Jordan Baris, Inc., Realtors, South Orange homes priced between $400,000 to $599,999 and over $1 million were selling more briskly than homes than homes in other price ranges.

According to Stanley Greenberg, realtor for Century 21 Realty McCoy, South Orange offers a good school system, cultural and economic diversity, a nice cross-section of housing stock, close proximity to New York City via train and the South Mountain Reservation. He says it’s very similar to Montclair in terms of diversity and proximity to New York City.

Taxes
Average taxes on a $500,000 home are $17,000.
Vital statistics
Population 16,964 people (2010 Census data)
Demographics: 58.2% white, 31.3% black, 3.9% Asian, 4.9% Latino, 1.6% other.
Income: The median income for a household was $87,925 (based on 2000-2009 U.S. Census data, plus inflation), and the median income for a family was $139,120.
Voted in 2008 Election: Obama 81.10%, McCain 17.04%
NJ Monthly High School Ranking: 75 (2010) 89 (2008)
Schools: Tuscan, South Mountain, Seth Boyden, Marshall and Clinton elementary schools, South Orange Middle School, Columbia High School.

The move puts Cerf in a mostly Republican legislative district and away from Essex County Sen. Ron Rice (D) who has been using senatorial courtesy to block Cerf’s confirmation for more than a year.

13 Rutgers St., Maplewood
List Price: $452,000
Taxes: $15,338
Acreage: 0.17 Acres
4BR/1.1BA

This 11-room Colonial, a new listing, has many upgrades as well as details dating to its 1927 construction. The roof, oil tank and paint are new. Period details include hardwood flooring and columns in the living room. All four of the bedrooms are on the second floor, which has an updated bathroom. A four-season sunroom, constructed in 2002, has heat and air conditioning; there is central air throughout the first floor. Finally, there is an unfinished basement and two car detached garage. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

15 Parkside Ave., West Orange
List Price: $279,000
Taxes: $8,717
Acreage: 0.08 Acres
3BR/1BA

Just reduced by $10,000, this five-room Cape Cod has many enviable features, including a country kitchen with granite countertops, a gas fireplace, enclosed porch and first-floor master bedroom. The driveway was just installed and windows, roof and electric are newer. The circa 1922 house also has a partially-finished basement and one car detached garage. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

178 Highland Ave., Montclair
List Price: $1,175,000
Taxes: $32,253
Acreage: 0.48 Acres
5BR/4.1BA

The price of this custom-designed Contemporary was also just lowered, in this case by $200,000. Built in 1955 and renovated in 2004, this eight-room room boasts a rooftop patio with New York City views; a master bedroom with a private terrace; a top-of-the-line kitchen and bathrooms; central air; hardwood floors; and two fireplaces. Ceilings range in height from 11-ft. to 25-ft. Lastly, there is an unfinished basement and two car attached garage. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Right down the road, another Contemporary is open for the first time. 197 Highland Ave., Montclair has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and panoramic views of New York City. The house was constructed in 1980 and is occupied by its original owners. The seven-room house is listed at $599,000 and open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

6 Spencer Rd., Glen Ridge
List Price: $429,000
Taxes: $14,884
Acreage: 0.11 Acres
4BR/1BA

A new listing, this eight-room circa 1928 Colonial has many upgrades. Chief among them is a new kitchen. Lots of original detailing remains; there is wood trim throughout many of the first floor rooms. A wood burning fireplace commands attention in the living room. There is a full, unfinished basement with a French drain and no garage. There is a patio in the backyard. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Just reduced: 66 Montview Ave., Millburn, a 10-room Colonial with an extra house on the lot featured here, is now priced $1 under $2,000,000 — a $119,001 drop. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

9 Lobell Ct., Bloomfield
List Price: $399,000
Taxes: $12,607
Acreage: n/a
4BR/4.1BA

Completely overhauled and expanded in 2007, this 10-room Colonial is nicely appointed, with a modern, open kitchen. The home is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on an irregular lot. Central air and walk-in closets are among the attributes. An extra room could serve as an office or gym. Outdoors, there is a deck and patio. Finally, there is a finished basement and two car attached garage. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

280 North Mountain Ave., Montclair
List Price: $650,000
Taxes: $18,695
Acreage: 0.37 Acres
4BR/3.1BA

Featuring an indoor pool, this 12-room Contemporary, custom home is boasting a $27,400 price reduction – put it toward towels! The circa 1955 residence also has an open floor plan; hardwood and marble floors; cathedral ceilings; central air; and much architectural distinction. The house was last renovated in 1982; no photos of the kitchen or bathrooms are provided. There is a finished, full basement and two car attached garage. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

354 Hoover Ave., Unit 98, Bloomfield
List Price: $195,000
Taxes: $6,266
Association Fee: $411
2BR/1BA

Located on the second floor, this five-room Condo, a new listing, is part of the Whitestone Gardens complex. The circa 1971 end unit has spacious rooms, hardwood floors and a good amount of storage space. There is a balcony off the living room and a small office area in the kitchen. The maintenance fee includes heat and water. Open house 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

73 Oakland Rd., Maplewood
List Price: $649,000
Taxes: $15,353
Acreage: 0.17 Acres
5BR/1.2BA

There’s a lot to like about this 12-room Colonial, a new listing. For starters, it was just completely renovated and boasts a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and updated bathrooms. The plumbing, electric and air conditioning were also overhauled; wood flooring was refinished and everything was repainted. One of its best attributes is a large, wraparound mahogany porch; there is a deck in the backyard, too. There is a partially finished, walkout basement with a French drain and 1.5 car detached garage. The house was constructed in 1907. Open house 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Just reduced: The price of 11 Gregory Ave., West Orange, a three bedroom, 1.1 bathroom Colonial on a dead-end street, was just lowered by $25,000. Now listed at $324,900, the nine-room circa 1927 house is also notable due to its stately  interior details – check out the stone fireplace and wood paneling in the living room. Open house 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Also in town, 11 Stuart Terr., West Orange, is now available for $264,900 – a $10,000 reduction. The seven-room Colonial, with three bedrooms and one bathroom, was renovated in 2008 to feature a new kitchen and bathroom. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. On the upper end of the market, 237 Christopher St., Montclair, featured above, was reduced by $40,000 in December. The six bedroom, 2.2 bathroom house is situated on almost half an acre and listed at $919,000. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Today we launch our first real estate guide, both for the benefit of city dwellers thinking about a move to the suburbs, but residents of Baristaville thinking about possibly changing towns. We start with Maplewood.

Known for its tree-lined streets, lovely old homes, socially progressive attitude (lots of Occupy Wall-Street supporters here) and proximity to NYC, Maplewood packs a lot of personality into its four square miles. Young professionals, recent immigrants, creative types and gay families alike appreciate the town’s welcoming, small-town vibe –- not for nothing is its nickname “Mapleberry.” Two main shopping districts –- the charming walkable downtown packed with chic stores and restaurants, and the bustling strip of Springfield Avenue -– buzz with stroller-pushing moms and local workers. In summer, locals flock to the town pool, and to the ultra-popular, ultra-groovy Maplewoodstock, a free outdoor concert that has become a tradition. Columbia High School, which also serves adjacent South Orange, is recognized for its stellar arts and music programs as well as a state champion fencing team — and is the birthplace of Ultimate Frisbee. Housing prices are a bargain compared to some nearby towns but come with a high property tax bill.

On the market
“Value is what is selling homes in Maplewood over Montclair,” says Robert Northfield, real estate broker/sales person for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Maplewood office. He says buyers can find a “Montclair” house for a little less in Maplewood. Buyers are attracted to the community’s variety of housing stock and styles, small town feel, tree-lined streets, diversity, the Village, good schools, beautiful parks and the “fantastic commute to New York City” — one half hour by train.

According to Northfield, who was named one of the top 250 individual agents in the U.S. for 2010 sales transaction volume by RealTrends, Inc. and The Wall Street Journal, most of the sales are between $450,000-$600,000 with a “fair share in the lower and higher prices.” There is not a lot of supply of homes for sales on the higher end.

Tuscan School

Home prices range from $79,900 (condo) to $1,699,900 (condo), with an average listing price of $577,250. About 141 homes were on the market in late fall.

Taxes
Average taxes on a $500,000 home are $18,000 ($18,029.64)

Vital Statistics
Population
23,867 people (2010 Census data)
Demographics: 51.0% white, 35.3% black, 3.0% Asian, 6.7% Latino.
Income: The median income for a household was $107,130 (based on 2000-2009 U.S. Census data, plus inflation), and the median income for a family was $120,300.
Voted in 2008 Election: Obama 81.90%, McCain 16.58%
NJ Monthly High School Ranking: 75 (2010) 89 (2008)
Schools: Seth Boyden, Tuscan, Clinton and Jefferson Primary Schools, Maplewood Middle School, Columbia High School.

20 Rahway Rd., Millburn
List Price: $675,000
Taxes: $12,721
Acreage: 0.09 Acres
3BR/1.1BA

This just-listed eight-room Colonial was renovated in 2004 to feature a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Also new: the roof, windows, hot water heater and exterior stairs. Other attributes include central air; hardwood floors; and a fireplace in the living room. One of the bathrooms has a combination jacuzzi/shower. Outside, there is a deck, patio and underground sprinkler system. Lastly, there is a finished, full walkout basement and one car attached garage. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Also a new listing in town, 264 Glen Ave., Millburn, a three bedroom, 3.1 bathroom Colonial with many upgrades, is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The property, situated on .077 acres, is listed at $650,000.

87 Winsor Pl., Glen Ridge
List Price: $559,000
Taxes: $16,620
Acreage: 0.30 Acres
4BR/1.1BA

Located on a corner lot, this eight-room Colonial is also a new listing. Constructed in 1948, this nicely appointed home has a lovely (albeit slightly on the small side) kitchen and walk-in pantry. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and bay window. Central air, an updated bathroom and a three season porch are among the other attributes. There is a finished basement and two car attached garage as well. This property may be most notable for its lush, large backyard. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

716 Valley St., Maplewood
List Price: $399,900
Taxes: $12,721
Acreage: 0.22 Acres
4BR/3BA

This sizable eight-room Cape Cod boasts large rooms; a bedroom, bathroom and laundry on the first floor; and a view of the Maplewood Country Club’s golf course. The circa 1956 and since updated house also has some interior flair, especially in the dining room, which has bright blue paint and wood paneling. The finished basement has a rec room, office, full bathroom and French drain. Also, there is an oversize two car detached garage. Open house 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

7 Barnett St., Bloomfield
List Price: $245,000
Taxes: $11,189
Acreage: 0.10 Acres
3BR/1BA

The owners of this seven-room Colonial in the Oakview section are motivated and will consider all offers. The house, built in 1939, has a private backyard and a newer heating unit. There is an unfinished basement and one car attached garage. Open house 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Just reduced: 31 Roosevelt Rd., Maplewood, a five bedroom, 3.2 bathroom English Colonial featured here, was just reduced by $36,000 to $899,000. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.