The Zastko Report March 2013 Reports in the real estate market continue to be very positive.  Is this also consistent with our local market in Central Jersey?  What about rising interest rates and fees?  This month, Andrew Zastko and Cooper Ford take another look at the activity in the local real estate market and the shortage of available homes, and what it means.  Also, they discuss the rising mortgage rates and fees and how it impacts home buyers and sellers. Curre [...]

In the weeks coming up to the Fiscal Cliff, there was a lot of uncertainty in the real estate market.  For example, would the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) be preserved?  Would short sales result in higher taxes for those who sell?  Once the dust settled and the deal was done, the results were generally positive for homeowners.  Here are some of the highlights: Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) – Generally remains intact for most homeowners, which means t [...]

AFFORDABLE LUXURY CAN NOW BE YOURS! The keynote to this well maintained and decored 4 bedroom 2.5 bath center hall colonial is liveability.  It is located on a large and professionally landscaped  100x150 ft lot in the elite Farrington Lake area with an inground pool.  Updated amenities include a huge kitchen, full finished basement and more.  The backyard with patio, inground pool and landscaping are so ideal for outside entertaining. One enters an inviting entry foyer [...]

The Zastko Report - October 2012 North Brunswick Market Update Activity in the North Brunswick real estate market continues to be very active. The number of homes sold continues to exceed performance from the previous year. For example, the 2nd Q had approx a 15% increase from 65 to 75.  Similarly,while activity traditionally slows down in the 3rd quarter, it has exceeded its 2nd quarter pace and its increase from 58 homes sold last year to 75 this 3rd quarter is almost a 30% increase [...]

At the Middlesex County Multiple Listing Stockholder’s meeting held on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Pines Manor in Edison, Andrew Zastko, Broker/Owner of Gloria Zastko, Realtors in North Brunswick, was awarded the Middlesex County Multiple Listing First Place President’s Award, in recognition of having the greatest number of listings taken and closed for the fiscal year from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.  This is the 14th year Zastko achieved the #1 status in the County [...]

It was a September to remember at Gloria Zastko, Realtors.  "Our Team has achieved nine nifty months in 2012, and we are looking forward to three more terrific months to end the year," stated Gloria Zastko and Andrew Zastko, co-owners of Gloria Zastko, Realtors. Leading the Zastko team for the month of September was Mark J. Schmidt for greatest number of sales.  Schmidt also tied with Jo Ann Lacina for greatest number of listings taken.  Mark J. Schmidt, a Realtor- [...]

The Zastko Report August 2012 The Summer is coming to end, but is it the same for the Central Jersey market?  This month, Andrew Zastko and Cooper Ford take another look at the activity in the local real estate market, the shortage of homes, and what it means.  Also, they take a look at the latest on the Transit Village in North Brunswick, as well as the rise of rentals.  Finally, an explanation of "average home prices" and what it really means for local homeowners [...]

Gloria Zastko, Realtors will host a North Brunwick Open House Showcase on Sunday, June 24th.  With historic low interest rates and excellent home prices, many homebuyers are making the move, not only seeking great homes, but exceptional communities as well.  A real estate leader in Central Jersey, Gloria Zastko, Realtors aims to personally introduce potential residents to the wonderful offerings of North Brunswick, a community that the agency has called home for over 21 years, and wh [...]

Location, location, location!  Families who want a beautifully landscaped estate with an inground Anthony swimming pool, barbeque area, and other activities to keep the teens and their friends occupied, will want to consider this 5-6 bedroom estate home at 566 Riva Avenue in the Farrington Lake area of East Brunswick. "This is not just a home," says Andrew Zastko, listing broker.  "It's an estate on a private lot that backs to woodlands.  This one-of-a-kin [...]

Imagine your summer in this 4 bedroom, 3 full bath perfectly appointed colonial featuring a Hyatt-like backyard with luxurious inground pool and posh surroundings...just steps to tranquil Farrington Lake offering boating and fishing! From the impressive curb appeal to the fun-filled backyard, you know you have arrived.  The lovely entry foyer is flanked by a formal dining room and spacious living room.  The kitchen is a gourmet delight with center island and stainless steel applian [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Andrew Zastko of Gloria Zastko, Realtors and Cottage Hill Construction proudly present a new custom-built , 2900 square foot , 4 bedroom, 3 full bath colonial at 285 Conover Road in East Windsor. From the beautiful curb appeal of this brick and vinyl sided colonial to the smashing interior one is absolutely awed with the quality custom construction and distinctive features. Upon entering the stunning 2-story entry to the two-story family room with brick fireplace one is immediately impress [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Click to view the video There are some in the media that say that real estate is improving. Is that the case in Central Jersey? What's going on now and what can we expect for 2012? Andrew of Gloria Zastko Realtors lays out some of his observations. In This Month's Zastko Report: A look back at activity in Middlesex County from December 2011 Why is there greater affordability? Are more people looking for homes now, or are they still waiting? Real estate is local.& [...]

Recently, Governor Christie signed into law a bill that would allow school board elections and budget votes to be moved to November, as opposed to the usual time in April.  One of the provisions, in line with the 2% cap on property taxes increases, is the elimination of a vote on school budgets that fall within this limit.  Is this change a good thing? Some would argue that it removes a check on school districts on how they spend taxpayer money.  On the other hand, the 2% cap [...]

One of the most common questions from home buyers is, "What is the square footage?"  And while it may seem it like an easy answer, it is often a much deeper and more complicated question, especially when dealing with homes in Central Jersey.  One of the reasons is that there are many older homes in the Brunswick area, where square footages were neither supplied by a builder or measured by the municipality, unlike newer homes, which often have floorplans supplied by the buil [...]

Wells Fargo recently released their end of the year report, citing some positive news from recent statistics across the country.  Yet, it was also a mixed bag, with some price declines as well.  Here some of what they had to say: Most of the economic reports dealing with housing have shown a little more strength recently. New home sales rose 1.6 percent in November and sales of existing homes climbed 4.0 percent. New home construction also improved, with housing starts rising 9.3 p [...]

Jo Ann Lacina, top producing sales associate with Gloria Zastko, Realtors, lead the team in overall listings and sales for December, 2011. Jo Ann Lacina joined the Zastko team in 2003 and has been a consistent top producer.  She has 30 years experience in the industry and was a former real estate appraiser.  Her extensive knowledge of the real estate market, especially in today’s market, gives her a cutting edge.  Lacina resides in North Brunswick with her husband, Georg [...]

If you've been following real estate in New Jersey recently, one popular topic is foreclosure.  It seems to be on the minds of many buyers looking for a great deal, as well as economists concerned about the impact of shadow inventory on the local market, where we have more than 50 months worth of inventory, according to USA Today.  Yet, despite the predicted deluge, we haven't seen a lot of bank-owned homes come on the market.  So, what's going on? What some d [...]

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.

GLORIA ZASTKO, REALTORS AGAIN VOTED 2011 BEST REALTY IN CENTRAL JERSEY IN HOME NEWS TRIBUNE READER’S CHOICE CONTEST. In a Home News Tribune Reader’s choice contest, Gloria Zastko, Realtors was again voted Best Realtor for 2011.  Gloria Zastko, and Andrew Zastko, co-owners of the firm, are delighted with this award which the firm has repeatedly received.  Zastko states, “Every day, every hour, we strive to be the best”.   "Becoming No. 1 is an [...]