West of the Hudson Locked Into a Low Mortgage Rate? Here’s When It Still Makes Sense to Sell Should you sell your home if you have a low mortgage rate? If you locked in at 2.5–3.5% during 2020–2021, the idea of trading that rate for today’s market feels financially painful — and for many homeowners, it’s become a reason to stay put indefinitely. But the math isn’t always what it looks like on […]
Around Town Pack a blanket. Lace up your shoes. June is here. Pack a Blanket. Lace Up Your Shoes. — Around Town with Galina June 2026 Pack a Blanket.Lace Up Your Shoes. Hey Neighbor, June in New Jersey is the payoff. After all those almost-warm days in April and the unpredictable ones in May, June just delivers. The air is right. The light stays long. And there […]
West of the Hudson Capital Gains Tax When Selling Your NJ Home: What You Actually Owe Do You Pay Capital Gains Tax When You Sell Your Home in New Jersey? Most New Jersey homeowners who sell their primary residence owe little or no capital gains tax, thanks to a federal exclusion of up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly — and New Jersey honors that […]
West of the Hudson Selling an Inherited House in New Jersey: What Heirs Need to Know Selling an Inherited House in New Jersey: What Heirs Need to Know What do you need to know to sell an inherited house in New Jersey? Selling an inherited home in New Jersey requires clearing the estate through the Surrogate’s Court, understanding NJ’s inheritance tax (which may not apply to you), using the stepped-up cost […]
home NJ Attorney Review Period Explained NJ Attorney Review Period Explained — What Westfield Sellers Need to Know What is the NJ attorney review period, and how does it affect Westfield home sellers? New Jersey law gives both the buyer and the seller a 3-business-day attorney review period after a real estate contract is signed. During this window, either party’s attorney […]
home New Jersey’s Mansion Tax Changed Who pays New Jersey’s mansion tax now – buyer or seller? As of July 10, 2025, New Jersey’s “mansion tax” – now officially called the Graduated Percent Fee (GPF) – is paid by the seller, not the buyer. For any home sale over $1 million, sellers owe 1% to 3.5% of the full sale price […]
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Around Town Best Towns in Union County NJ for Families Moving from NYC         Best Towns in Union County NJ for Families Moving from NYC What are the best towns to live in Union County, NJ? The four best towns in Union County, NJ for homebuyers – especially those relocating from New York City – are Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, and Mountainside. All four offer […]
Around Town A Love Letter to New Jersey in Bloom Hey Neighbor, I need to talk about something and I can’t hold it in anymore. New Jersey in the spring? It’s doing the most right now. And I am here for every single petal of it. I know, I know. We get a bad rap. The turnpike jokes. The “what exit” thing. The eye rolls […]
home AI vs. Reality: Why Your “Zestimate” Might Be Leaving Money on the Table AI vs. Reality: Why Your “Zestimate” Might Be Leaving Money on the Table The Hook: You’ve seen the number. You log into Zillow or Redfin, and there it is—a shiny, automated valuation that says your home is worth exactly $542,300. It’s instant, it’s free, and in 2026, it’s more advanced than ever. But before you […]
home Add Character to a Kitchen: 5 Easy Ideas Let’s be honest, builder-grade kitchens can feel a bit basic. They’re designed to appeal to the masses, which means they often lack personality. But with a few thoughtful upgrades, you can transform that neutral space into a kitchen that truly feels like you. Here are five easy ways to add charm and character without a […]
westfield WESTFIELD Grand Openings: Design, Wellness, and Midnight Cravings March in the 07090 is all about a “Spring Refresh,” and our downtown is responding with some sophisticated new additions. Whether you are planning a major home renovation or looking for a late-night treat, here are the new faces in town: Kanstrukt Group (Ribbon Cutting March 11): We are officially welcoming Kanstrukt Group to the neighborhood! What they […]
finance Key Tax Changes Taking Effect in 2026 Advance planning starts with understanding new rules before they come into effect. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a wide range of tax changes, including several provisions that have received relatively little attention but will affect individual and business taxpayers beginning in 2026. What follows is a summary of key changes to be aware […]
westfield The “Portal Cutover”: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain If your morning commute felt a little different this week, you’re not alone. From February 15th through March 15th, NJ Transit is undergoing a massive “cutover” to move tracks from the 115-year-old Portal Bridge to the brand-new Portal North Bridge. What this means for the 07090: Reduced Capacity: With only a single track open between […]
westfield Westfield Market Update: Why February is the New April It looks like the spring market decided to arrive early this year! We’re seeing Westfield shed its winter coat ahead of schedule, with a noticeable shift in energy from a quiet 2025 to a very busy 2026. The ‘wait and see’ phase is behind us—serious buyers are out in force, and the 07090 is buzzing […]