The media has been recording increased average home prices and activity on the national scene.  What's been happening in Central New Jersey?  Cooper and Andrew review the stats for Middlesex County. To find out more, call us at 732-297-0600 or email us at zastko@zastko.com.  

Gloria Zastko and Andrew Zastko, co-owners of Gloria Zastko, Realtors announce that once again the firm met its goals and surpassed its marketshare.  In 2012, its top producing agents sold and closed in excess of 350 closed transactions, more than a deal a day; once again establishing itself as a top-ranking agency in Central Jersey and, year after year, #1 in North Brunswick real estate. A good part of what makes the Zastko firm so consistently successful is its ability to stay on top [...]

The Estates at Dunham’s Farm located in quiet South Brunswick, one of Central Jersey’s most sought after and prestigious subdivisions is more than 80% sold out.  When completed, there will be 46 homesites, each one on approximately 2-3 acre lots with homes ranging from 3,900 sq. ft. to 5,100 sq. ft.   Garden Homes Development is offering “The Emerald Elite”, a magnificent 2 story colonial boasting 4-5 bedrooms, a great room, soaring ceilings, banquet-si [...]

The "Fiscal Cliff" continues to dominate the news, as Washington works to avoid the detrimental impact to our fragile economy of doing nothing.  For homeowners, both current and future, there are several possibilities that could have a significant impact, not only personally, but on the real estate market as a whole. Accoding to a recent article on Fox Business, there are several areas of concern.  First is the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID).  While few people bel [...]

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 [...]

For the past several months, one of the big questions surrounding the future of real estate in America was who would be elected.  Well, now we have our answer.  So, what does this mean?  Jeff Kolko, Chief Economist with Trulia put out a fantastic article discussing different areas that home buyers and home owners should be aware of.  Here are some of the key points: There is still a big push to help people refinance their homes at low interest rates (which also helps p [...]

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 [...]

In a Home News Tribune Reader’s choice contest, Gloria Zastko, Realtors was again voted Best Realtor for 2012.  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 awesome feat . . . Remaining No. 1 is an every-day challenge."  "Seeing longtime competitors and now the new k [...]

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 [...]

As the real estate market continues to pick up in activity, Gloria Zastko Realtors continues to provide leadership in helping both home buyers and sellers in North Brunswick.  As a pillar in the community, the agency continues to be number one in helping home owners successfully sell their home.  So far in 2012, they have outperformed their nearest competitor by a margin of almost 6 to 1.  Similarly, in helping potential residents find a home in the community of North Brunswick, [...]

For many home buyers, one of the most significant criteria is the quality of the school system.  After all, what parent wouldn't want their child to receive the best education possible?  When considering different communities, one source often considered are rankings put out by different publications, such as the one just released by NJ Monthly.  Yet, how helpful are these really in finding the best quality school system?  What else can home buyers do to evaluate the sc [...]

For many home buyers, one of the most significant criteria is the quality of the school system.  After all, what parent wouldn't want their child to receive the best education possible?  When considering different communities, one source often considered are rankings put out by different publications, such as the one just released by NJ Monthly.  Yet, how helpful are these really in finding the best quality school system?  What else can home buyers do to evaluate the sc [...]

Ginger Boyle, Broker-Associate with Gloria Zastko, Realtors, has been chosen to market this gorgeous one-of-a-kind home with a magnificent view of Farrington Lake. The curb appeal says it all...the panoramic view of Farrington Lake is awesome.  The first floor plan offers living room, a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room leading to a den that overlooks the lake,  two master bedroom suites, a family room, and a huge laundry room and powder room.  The second level boasts an [...]

It's that time of year again!  From all of us at Gloria Zastko Realtors, thanks for voting us Best of Best year after year in North Brunswick for Real Estate.  It's our honor and privilege to continue to serve the North Brunswick community and beyond!  Please take a moment to vote for us again this year.  Just click the link and follow the instructions. Thanks again, and be sure to keep us in mind for any real estate questions you may have!     [...]

The Zastko Report June 2012 The momentum continues to build in the Central Jersey real estate market.  This month, Andrew Zastko and Cooper Ford discuss the current state of affairs locally, as well as some of the continued challenges.  Also, they highlight their experience with a new, no-PMI program from Sun Home Loans that's helping many buyers save money on buying a home.  Finally, they discuss some helpful tips for buyers preparing to buy a home, as well as sellers p [...]

Congratulations to our local North Brunswick Township High School!  On Saturday, June 23rd, at 7 PM, NBTHS's "Possibilities" program will be featured on WABC-7's "Above and Beyond: Inspiring Students and Teachers".  According to the school district, the "Possibilities" Program  "provides our students with disabilities to develop skills by facing real-life situations through volunteering and working in the community".  The NBTH [...]

At a Middlesex County Association of Realtors® Continuing Education Class held at Pierre's Restaurant in Monmouth Junction, NJ on June 14, 2012, Gloria Zastko, President and Founder of Gloria Zastko, Realtors, was awarded the Realtor® Emeritus status.  This status is awarded in recognition of forty cumulative years of membership in the National Association of Realtors® and in recognition of valuable and lasting contribution to the real estate profession in the community.&n [...]

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 [...]

For those desiring the ultimate in home and location, this executive 13 room estate home says it all.  It is located on a 2.54 acre elite culdesac setting and boasts approximately 5,555 sq. ft. of luxurious living space.  Exquisite detail and custom quality construction are evident throughout.  The original owners have spared no expense on this barely-used beauty! This home boasts 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, soaring 2-story foyer, media room with all high-end theater equipment, gre [...]

March at Gloria Zastko, Realtors  was in like a bear and out like a bull.  "We're back", says Gloria Zastko, founder and President of Gloria Zastko, Realtors.  Zastko is pleased to report that leading the team in sales was John J. McDonald and in listings was Arthur Napolitano. Napolitano brings over 32 years of professional real estate experience to the firm.  He worked for many years as a broker sales associate and was a partner and trainer for  a loc [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Dian Hymer, a columnist with Inman News, wrote a fantastic article called Know Risks When Foregoing Inspection Contingency, dealing with the importance for getting a home inspection.  Home inspections generally run no more than $500-600, depending on the size of the home and what additionally inspections you have included.  Considering the size of the investment of a home purchase, along with the potentially high cost of home repairs, it's always wise to get a home inspection bef [...]

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.

For the past several months, the foreclosure process has been held up in the state of New Jersey.  Recently, the New Jersey Superior Court cleared the way for foreclosures to resume.  (Click here for the full article)  Whether you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the next few years in New Jersey, it's important to understand how this development will affect the market and your future plans.  If you have a specific question or would like more information [...]