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 [...]