News was out that the real estate market was picking up.  Mary and Jim, who had been neighbors for years with nearly identical homes, decided it was time to sell, both with the same agent and broker.  With the positive news, Jim decided to price 5% above what his agent suggested (after all, he wanted negotiating room and the home had many nice features).  Mary, on the other hand, followed her agent's advice on price.  While Mary quickly received multiple offers and ende [...]

The Zastko Report April 2012 As the spring market moves along, we continue to see movement in real estate, not only locally, but also on the national scene.  What's happening specifically and what's the impact for the future?  What are the financial experts saying about the outlook on today's prices?  Why are so many houses failing to make it from contract to close, and what can be done?  We answer all these questions and more on the Zastko Report, with Andr [...]

A golden opportunity awaits those desiring the perfect multi-generational home. This 11 room, 5 bedroom 3-1/2 bath delight exudes pride of ownership. One enters a spacious tiled center hall leading to a magnificent kitchen, a banquet-sized dining room, large living room and a grand family room off the kitchen with a wood burning fireplace. This impressive main level is completed with a library or office, laundry room, and guest bath. There is an inviting porch off the family room offering quie [...]

In an effort to increase consumer awareness of the benefits of buying a home now, the National Association of Realtors is encouraging Realtors nationwide to hold open houses on Saturday and Sunday the 28th and 29th of April. Gloria Zastko, Realtors is proud to announce its firm will participate.  It is an incredible event for sellers to showcase their homes and for potential home buyers to shop for their new home. "Never in my 40 years of listing and selling real estate have I se [...]

There is still a tremendous amount of Short Sale activity on a national level.  We've seen an increase over the past few years to about 306,000 short sales in 2011, and a predicted 500,000 in 2012, according to JPMorgan and CoreLogic.  Also, in the past month, the National Association of Realtors reported that 14% of sales in February were short sales.  So, what's the trend in Middlesex County? According to data from the Middlesex County Multiple Listing System, 13.6% [...]

Click to view the video Things continue to pick up in the Central Jersey real estate market. What's been happening locally and what can we expect? Andrew reviews some of the latest statistics and insights on The Zastko Report. In This Month's Zastko Report: A look back at activity in Middlesex County in February 2012 compared to the year before Why we're seeing a growing number of multiple offers on homes Discussion on some of the latest opportunities for p [...]

There's a growing mantra in the real estate community, "It's cheaper to buy than rent, it's cheaper to buy than rent..."  It seems like there's a new article out each week.  Even this past week, Trulia released a new article and illustration, claiming that in 98 of 100 metro areas, it is cheaper to own a home than to rent something comprable.  However, is this really the case, or just a bunch of self-serving salespeople who trying to manipulate you into [...]

Four decades ago, Gloria Zastko started selling and listing real estate.  She quickly became a leader in the industry, winning virtually every sales award.  After 20 successful selling years, on March 15, 1991, Gloria, her son Andrew, and a select group of charter members, including Ginger Boyle, Sonya Panson, Lucy Mollica (retired) and the late, Carol Latchaw, opened Gloria Zastko, Realtors® . Steadily growing for more than 21 years, this award-winning real estate firm is a lo [...]

What's the latest news at North Brunswick Township High School?  Check out some of their latest accomplishments and updates in this month's edition of the Raider Review.  You'll find out about  the accomplishments of some of our fantastic students and teachers in the community, as well as some of the things to come in the near future.  Gloria Zastko Realtors is proud of our award winning high school and it's positive role in the community! READ MORE

Click to view the video Spring has sprung! National reports are that real estate activity is up. Is that what we're seeing with homes in Central Jersey? Andrew Zastko of Gloria Zastko Realtors shares the driving force behind some of the latest trends, as well as some of the opportunities for buyers and sellers in the near future In This Month's Zastko Report: A look back at activity in Middlesex County in January 2012 compared to the year before Why the monthly payment [...]

Gloria Zastko and Andrew Zastko, co-owners of Gloria Zastko, Realtors are delighted to welcome Maria Reynolds to their team of professionals.  Reynolds brings over 26 years of real estate experience.  She worked  as a sales associate with Century 21 and Coldwell Banker Schlott, and spent the last 20 years with Prudential Fox & Roach in North Brunswick.  Maria's background, prior to entering real estate, was in finance and personnel, giving her priceless people exper [...]

The Central Jersey real estate market is turning around..."Relief at Last", says Gloria Zastko, Founder and President of Gloria Zastko, Realtors.  Interest rates are the lowest ever, home prices have stabilized and both buyers' and sellers' pent-up demand are spurring the market.  Right now, the ones making the most of this market are the most informed and educated.  It’s with this in mind that Gloria Zastko, Realtors created their new website, so that [...]

For those looking for spacious living all on one floor this is it!  From the impressive curb appeal to the park-like setting, you know you have arrived at 295 Marshall Road in the elite Farrington Lake area of North Brunswick.  One enters a large inviting center hall foyer leading to the spacious living area which includes a luxurious living room, banquet-sized dining room, newer gourmet kitchen boasting maple cabinets, granite counter tops, ceramic backsplash and built-in wine rac [...]

2012 is coming up roses at Gloria Zastko, Realtors.  Leading the staff for January 2012 were Arthur Napolitano, Broker-Associate for total sales, and Peter Maimone, Realtor-Associate for new listings taken.  There is a buzz in the air as the Zastko firm enters 2012.  "There are reasons to move and to move NOW", cautions Zastko.  Interest rates are the lowest they have ever been.  As the economy continues to improve, there is, however, indication that interest [...]

Spring 2012 is coming up roses in Central Jersey real estate. "It's as good as it gets!" says Gloria Zastko, President of Gloria Zastko, Realtors, and a 39-year veteran in New Jersey Real Estate. "There are reasons to move and to move NOW", cautions Zastko.  Interest rates are the lowest they have ever been.  As the economy continues to improve, there is, however, indication that interest rates will hike and also there is speculation that mortgage qualificat [...]

Over the weekend, the Star Ledger released a Special Report, "Did N.J. property tax reform help most taxpayers?"  According to the article, "New Jersey homeowners paid an average of 2.4 percent more for property taxes in 2011, the smallest increase in nearly two decades, showing Gov. Chris Christie’s push to restrain local levies might be working."  This is good news for many New Jersey residents who pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation.  [...]

In a market that has seen incredible turmoil over the past couple years, many are eagerly looking forward to a turnaround, beginning with the bottom.  Is that something we're going to see soon?  Here's what real estate expert Jeffrey Otteau of the Otteau Valuation Group had to say: New Jersey home sales in October recorded a 4.9% year-on-year increase as the housing market continues to show signs of stabilization. Home sales have now increased in 5 of the last 6 m [...]

People sometimes note that Realtors always seem to be saying, "It's a good time to buy."  Admittedly, it seems a bit self serving.  Keeping Current Matters put together some recent quotes from other reliable sources, such as the Wall Street Journal, confirming that it indeed IS a good time to buy!  If you have any questions or to schedule a free consultation, call us at 732-297-0600 or contact us online.

In a recent article, RisMedia reported that "Existing-home sales were down in September on the heels of a strong gain in August, but remain well above a year ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS®."  But how does our local community in the Brunswick area compare nationally? Unfortunately, when looking at Single Family Home in North Brunswick, South Brunswick, and East Brunswick, not only did the number of home sales decline 20%, but average home [...]

After months of planning, the entire staff of Gloria Zastko, Realtors sponsored its North Brunswick Heritage Day  Booth at Babbage Park on Sunday, September 25th.  It was canceled for Saturday, September 24th because of weather conditions, but was rescheduled for Sunday, and it was perfect!  It was a fun-filled day under the big white tent, as hundreds gathered at the park, many seeking the Annual Free Horse and Buggy rides sponsored by the Zastko firm for the past 21 years. [...]

A recently testimonial for Ginger Boyle... Ginger was terrific! We'd had a really bad experience with a prior realtor where our house sat for 6 months without a sale. With Ginger we had our first substantial offer after only a month (unbelievable in this market!) and ultimately sold the house for a higher price than we had expected. Ginger was equally helpful with the purchase of our current home. She was always available. She listened to us and knew what type of house and yard we were [...]

North Brunswick's 29th Annual Heritage Day is this Saturday!  The day begins at noon in Babbage Park (by Parsons School) with lots of great food, musical performances, art & crafts, horse & buggy ride, and much more!  It's also a great opportunity to meet some of the great businesses and organizations in North Brunswick, as well as to see Timbo the Clown, a yearly favorite of the kids! In the evening at the North Brunswick High School, we'll have a performance b [...]

Statistics have revealed that homebuyers select older homes over new ones in two out of three instances. However this is a choice that each buyer needs to make for him or herself. Some of the advantages to buying an older house include: More space for the money. Many older homes have more ample bedroom space. Often buyers will prefer a home with fewer rooms that are more spacious to a house with more rooms that are smaller. Nicer Landscaping. The lot of an older home is often planted with [...]

Here was a recent thank you we received on behalf of Ginger Boyle... Ginger, Donna and I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and professionalism not just in getting our home sold but also helping us find our new one.  Working with you and you associates at Gloria Zastko Realty was a true pleasure.  Selling a home and finding a new one is hard work, especially in today's enviorment.  I can't imagine going through the process with anyone else. People do make [...]

Plans are well underway for the North Brunswick 29th Annual Heritage Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Babbage Park in North Brunswick.  In case of bad weather a rain date of September 25th has been scheduled.  The event is designed to celebrate North Brunswick’s history and the rich heritage of the people who live there.        Andrew Zastko, co-owner of Gloria Zastko, Realtors, ha [...]

A classic restored Colonial with 3-4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in desirable Colonial Gardens of North Brunswick. GINGER BOYLE, A BROKER-ASSOCIATE WITH GLORIA ZASTKO, REALTORS®, HAS JUST LISTED 293 FRANKLIN ROAD IN OLD COLONIAL GARDENS OF NORTH BRUNSWICK. It is not very often that a home such as this offered for sale.  The owners have painstakingly restored this classic colonial with every possible modern day convenience retaining its old world charm.  The location is perfect and th [...]

Almost four decades ago, Gloria Zastko started selling and listing real estate.  She quickly became an icon in the industry, winning virtually every sales award.  After 20 successful selling years, on March 15, 1991, Gloria, at age 60, her son Andrew, and a select group of charter members, including Ginger Boyle, Sonya Panson, Lucy Mullica and the late, Carol Latchaw, opened Gloria Zastko, Realtors® . Steadily growing for more than 20 years, this award-winning real estate firm [...]

North Brunswick, NJ – July 5, 2011 – Mark J. Schmidt, a real estate agent with Gloria Zastko Realtors in North Brunswick, recently finished helping a family move from North Brunswick to Readington Township, and is excited to say that, despite reports to the contrary, the American Dream is alive and kicking! Schmidt first started working with George and Sanja Milicevic in March when they contacted him about selling their home on North Barkley Place.  His first step was to pr [...]

Summer is almost over...it's that time of the year when one starts to think about a new home for the holidays. Autumn 2011 is the perfect time to buy.  The American Dream is now more affordable than ever.  Prices are stabilized and interest rates remain the lowest they have ever been. Buying a home is more than just a financial investment.  It is an investment in your future.  It is a great place to raise a family.  It is a safe haven.  It gives you the op [...]

Gloria Zastko Realtors congratulates the members of the North Brunswick Rapids Swim Team for your accomplishments this summer.  Recently, they won the New Jersey Swimming & Diving Conference’s C League Red Division championship.  We are proud of your hard work and dedication! For more info on the North Brunswick Rapids, click here. Click here for the full article from the Sentinel.

It's not often that such a perfectly appointed 4 BR, 2.5 bath colonial is offered for sale.  From the impressive curb appeal to the "Hyatt" backyard with inground pool and outdoor kitchen, you know you have arrived at 27 Tall Oaks Drive in North Brunswick!  This center hall is flanked by a formal dining room and spacious living room.  The kitchen is a gourmet delight with center island, built-in wine cooler, and garden sink.  The family room is off the kit [...]

*SPECTACULAR NEW PRICING* MAE BROOK ESTATES @ NORTH BRUNSWICK... 10 NEW HOME SUBDIVISION NEAR FARRINGTON LAKE NEW EXCITING PRICING STARTING AT $499,000... IMMEDIATE DELIVERY ON MODEL HOME (CEDAR BROOK) SHOWN ABOVE OFFERED AT $529,000. "BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL!!" MLS# 102707 732-297-0600

The heat is on in Central Jersey real estate.  Although there is a deluge of tough news regarding real estate, many major financial resources such as the Wall Street Journal, CBS Money Watch, Forbes Magazine and National  Public Radio all concur in their advice .."It's Time to Buy a Home Now" and it is also a  a time to sell now The lowest interest rates in decades make this the optimum time to move in, up or out.  It is not the price of the home that is i [...]