Information For Buyers
JUST LISTED – 19 Littlebrook Road North – Carnegie Lake Area
June 14, 2011 | Author Beatrice
On a quiet, graceful street, this entirely and exquisitely renovated house sits back under a canopy of mature trees. Its exterior suggests, behind its pillared front porch, a traditional farm-style home. Yet to the left, a vaulting, barn-shaped second-floor room hints at much more inside. And once you pass through the rustic front door, you enter a beautifully conceived, impeccably executed series of rooms that are breathtaking, even magical, in their design, materials, airiness, and suitability for entertaining. You could float between the dark oak floors and high, beamed ceilings down to the tasteful living room and through French doors to a study. Or you might be drawn into the bright, voluminous, eat-in kitchen/great room, whose ample windows and skylights connect you to the garden and whose immense island and high-end appliances carry one fully into the 21st century. The adjacent dining room and large mahogany deck provide alternate eating sites and look out over the extensive lawn whose privacy is protected by a ring of trees and wooden fence.
A multi-purpose room and full bath complete the main-floor layout, before you climb the staircase to an elegant, chandeliered hall that takes you, over the same dark floors, to the bright and spacious master bedroom, walk-in closet, and luxurious European bath with spa features. In the other direction, you’ll find a guest suite and two children’s bedrooms on either side of their shared bath. The ceilings are high; the rooms are generous in size, their details beautifully and consistently envisioned. In addition to its unique interior design, the house, sitting on 1.3 acres, offers an abundance of amenities: a finished basement with both a playroom and a media center with surround-sound controls and screening capabilities, laundry rooms on the first and second floors, a mudroom accessed from the garage and kitchen, a pantry, recessed lights, a powder room, and, throughout, ample walk-in closets and storage. Littlebrook School and its playgrounds are a neighbor, while the Princeton Shopping Center and downtown Princeton are each a five-minute drive away.
$1,750,000
More photos and details at www.19LittlebrookRdN.info
Posted in TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART II
March 18, 2011 | Author Beatrice
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART II
Home improvements are up this year, especially in the luxury home arena. Last week we talked about the green improvements that are the most popular in high end real estate.
Next on the list of favorite upgrades are kitchens and bathrooms. High end homes are expanding their culinary activities to more than one kitchen. A catering kitchen for dinner parties, a mini kitchen in the master suite for midnight snacks, and an outdoor kitchen for get-togethers by the pool are the latest additions to the traditional central family kitchen.
Luxury bathrooms are becoming full fledged spas with an emphasis on the shower. Multiple head rain and steam showers include aromatherapy, and chromotherapy (colored light therapy) features to wash away stress. Outside the shower, the sky’s the limit. Luxury bathrooms are sumptuously fitted with everything from fireplaces, air-jet tubs, multimedia entertainment centers, wireless internet, wine coolers, smart toilets, electronic massage tables, dry saunas, tanning booths, espresso stations, and towel warming drawers.
Some of these improvements may seem extravagant, but most luxury homeowners have very active lives, and it is important to have a stress-relieving refuge that can comfortably support a healthy, busy schedule.
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART I
January 30, 2011 | Author Beatrice
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART I
Even though the current housing market in general is experiencing a readjustment, the luxury home market is still going strong. Many owners of high end properties see their homes as long term investments as well as a great place to live, and they are putting their money into improvements. Harvard University’s Housing Studies Center estimated that $160 billion was spent on home improvements last year, and much of that went for the latest in luxury upgrades.
With environmental issues so much in the forefront these days, green is at the top of the home improvement list. Energy efficient features- extra insulation, double paned windows, Energy Star appliances, and lighting using compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs, are the most popular upgrades.
But America’s top homes are also being retrofitted to tap into alternative energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal. Environmentally conscious flooring such as bamboo or cork, and chemical free paint and building materials, will help support good indoor air quality. All these improvements will save the homeowner utility costs in the long run and dramatically improve the homes energy footprint on the planet.
LUXURY LIVING
January 10, 2011 | Author Beatrice
LUXURY LIVING
Why sacrifice your ideal lifestyle for your profession? Today’s professionals are demanding more out of their homes and today’s market has the perfect solution. The luxury condominium or townhouse provides everything a professional desires but without the hassles that most associate with owning luxury real estate.
These deluxe condominiums allow for luxurious living and amenities without sacrificing the accessibility that an urban professional requires. Access to sporting and country clubs, as well as cultural and entertainment centers can now be yours without making a move to an otherwise inconvenient location. Additionally, these properties provide estate-like landscaping, beautiful views and state of the art interior design.
Beyond the comforts, these properties are perfect real estate investments. Most are in up-scale markets, which provide investment security. Often condos can be financed with low mortgage rates making them an affordable option for first time buyers looking to build equity.
Whether you desire to live in a spectacular setting, experience the benefits of an exclusive community, or make a sound investment in a new home, modern luxury condominiums can provide these essentials and much more.
WHAT DO LUXURY HOME BUYERS WANT?
December 5, 2010 | Author Beatrice
WHAT DO LUXURY HOME BUYERS WANT?
An increasing number of prospective homebuyers are seeking a luxury home – specifically, a multimillion dollar residence located in a beautiful location and loaded with amenities.
This was revealed in a recent survey conducted by the research firm ICR, which showed that high-end homeowners are particularly optimistic about home values.
Key findings in the survey of the luxury market demonstrates that the typical million-dollar homeowner is invested not only in the value of their home as a current part of their portfolio, but also see long-term gains coming from this investment. The survey polled homeowners whose current primary residence is valued at over $1 million. Their average household annual income was $754,000.
“Must have” luxury amenities cited by respondents include designer kitchens, formal landscaping, water views, customized home entertainment centers, swimming pools, indoor gyms and wine cellars. In the area surrounding their property, respondents cited a variety of desired amenities including a boat dock, putting green, and tennis or basketball courts.
THE ULTIMATE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
November 3, 2010 | Author Beatrice
THE ULTIMATE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
When you are buying high-end real estate, it is only natural to expect the process to be a memorable event. A skilled real estate broker can maximize the ease and pleasure of your purchase by handling every aspect of the luxury transaction.
Your search for a suitable property will be enjoyable when you work with a broker who has a thorough knowledge of the local inventory of homes and the characteristics of the area. If you are a ski aficionado interested in buying a multi-million-dollar home in the mountains, you will want your broker to give you a complete description of the lifestyle in a particular location so you can decide whether it meets your needs. What ski resorts are available in the area, and what is the tourist traffic like in the peak seasons? What advantages does this mountain community offer in terms of outdoor recreation, restaurants, shops and cultural activities? Your broker will show you properties that exclusively fit the architectural style, square footage, views and amenities you prefer, and preserve your privacy during the transaction.
A knowledgeable realtor will be able to offer you a taste of the lifestyle you will purchase along with your luxury home.
Luxury Homes Sold in October 2010, Princeton NJ
November 3, 2010 | Author Beatrice
| Neighborhood | Address | Date Sold | Original Price | List Price | Sold Price | Bedrooms | Full Baths | Half Baths | DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Lake Area | 69 Prince William Court | 10/29/2010 | $1,300,000 | $1,175,000 | $1,150,000 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 65 |
| Institute and Hun Area | 61 Farrand Road | 10/7/2010 | $1,598,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,150,000 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 269 |
| Western Section | 141 Westcott Road | 10/14/2010 | $1,580,000 | $1,580,000 | $1,580,000 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Princeton Ridge | 309 Cherry Hill Road | 10/22/2010 | $2,285,000 | $1,950,000 | $1,851,000 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 1061 |
| Institute and Hun Area | 91 Battle Road | 10/6/2010 | $2,650,000 | $2,250,000 | $2,100,000 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 64 |
| Institute and Hun Area | 243 Russell Road | 10/26/2010 | $2,681,000 | $2,681,000 | $2,220,000 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 258 |
MAKING AN OFFER ON A UNIQUE HOME
November 1, 2010 | Author Beatrice
MAKING AN OFFER ON A UNIQUE HOME
Negotiating the purchase of a very special luxury home is a fine art. Only a qualified real estate agent with a reputation for closing high-end transactions can negotiate the best deal with the necessary expertise, sensitivity and discretion. Well-informed buyers can also facilitate the process.
Before you make an offer on a home you wish to buy, schedule professional inspections of the house, fire, security and septic systems, so you have an objective evaluation of the condition of the home and grounds. Have an attorney review the title search and clarify any outstanding issues relative to easements, boundaries, water and mineral rights or liens against the title. When you draft your offer, try to avoid contingencies that may complicate or delay the sale. Read the seller’s disclosure statement carefully, and ask your agent to explain any items you don’t understand. Set a limit on the maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay for the property, so your realtor is operating within pre-established guidelines when negotiating price on your behalf.
Stay in close communication with your agent while the terms of the offer are being resolved.
WHY GET PRE-APPROVED TO BUY A LUXURY HOME?
October 1, 2010 | Author Beatrice
WHY GET PRE-APPROVED TO BUY A LUXURY HOME?
Realtors are often reluctant to ask high-end homebuyers if they have been pre-qualified by a lender. They know that, for many buyers, the availability of cash will not be a problem. If the agent does not pose the question, he or she is violating fair housing laws.
Many luxury homebuyers want to present a letter from their accountant confirming their solvency. However, this can alert the seller to the fact that you are well able to pay their asking price—and more, which leaves less room for negotiating the price and terms.
A better strategy is to become pre-approved by a lender who will simply tell the listing agent that your credit scores are acceptable and your cash reserves are adequate, without disclosing the details. By getting pre-approved you are guaranteed that the lender will provide you with the loan and protect your privacy. The seller and the listing agent do not need to know your true buying power.
THE LATEST TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME DESIGN
September 1, 2010 | Author Beatrice
THE LATEST TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME DESIGN
What features are fashionable homeowners choosing to include in their newly built upscale homes? Let’s take a look at what custom home clients consider the latest necessities of life.
Topping the list are the best home security systems, complete with camera surveillance viewable on all of the television sets in the home and walk-in safes. This feature reflects the widespread concern for personal and family safety among high-end homeowners. Custom-designed entertainment areas with multiple kitchens, indoor and outdoor living rooms and playrooms for children are popular. Homes with multiple levels may include a roomy garage that accommodates guest parking, indoor basketball or tennis sport courts and elevators that serve all levels of the residence.
Areas that allow homeowners to pursue their favorite leisure activities are being requested more frequently in new custom homes. Buyers want fitness workout rooms, home gyms, indoor and outdoor lap pools, spas and sports bars with plasma TVs where the latest sporting events can be viewed in style. Massage rooms, steam rooms, yoga and meditation spaces are other amenities that are in high demand.
Building or buying a home with these features can improve the resale value of your property.