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Yeah, yeah, I know. By now every realtor, lender, podcast, headline, and group chat has told you about Trump’s latest move to lower mortgage rates. You’ve probably heard some version of “rates are coming down!” more times than you can count. But before you tune it out completely, we actually need to talk about what this could mean, not in theory, but here in New Jersey, where our market plays by its own rules. Here’s what’s happening. The Trump administration has announced a

Exciting things are happening in Newark and our surrounding area, and it’s not just headlines. Construction has begun on the new Lionsgate Film & Television Studio in Newark’s South Ward, marking a major step forward in transforming the city into a destination for film and TV production. A $100 million project.  NJPAC+1 This 12-acre, purpose-built studio project is expected to generate more than 600 long-term jobs and bring an anticipated $800+ million in annual economic impa

One of my favorite photos & days from 2025... Our wedding :) As 2026 kicks off, many of us start thinking about fresh beginnings, new goals & new opportunities. 2025 was full of a lot of new experiences, new connections & new milestones I will cherish for years to come, so I look forward to all 2026 will bring!! I've been planning a few goals for the new year and with the intention of not overwhelming myself with the task and give up before I begin, I decided to narrow them d

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! I hope everyone is recovering well from the Christmas festivities and holiday treats, whatever you celebrate this season!! I was thinking a lot this season about change . Looking around the table at everyone sharing the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, a tradition my mom has kept up with every year, I notice how much my little cousins have grown up and how much our family has expanded, seeing more new faces around the table.  I know it won’t al

What’s happening? The world’s biggest sporting event is set to take place right in our backyard. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford officially called New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament will host 8 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the Championship Final.  Is anyone else getting a strong itch to Air BNB their house? Hotels are charging anywhere between $1,500 - $3,000/ NIGHT! Key Dates Bergen County Fans Should Know   MetLife Stadium Match Schedule • Sat, J

A lot of people feel stuck right now, not because they don’t want to move, but because they feel locked into their ultra-low mortgage rate. That 2–3% rate feels like a badge of honor…and a pair of handcuffs at the same time. But here’s the twist: with talk circulating about potentially lower interest rates on the horizon, this might be the perfect window to explore your options,  before  more buyers jump back into the market. The Truth About the “Golden Handcuffs” Yes, your r

Thank you All for the feedback on last week's newsletter. I was suprised to hear back from so many of you who wanted to hear more about money lessons! So, here it is! Nobody taught us how to handle money… they, more likely, handed us debt and wished us luck. Most of us grow up without ever learning how money actually works. So today, I’m sharing two investing lessons I wish I learned years earlier, the kind no one explains in school, but everyone pays for later. Why it matte

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! I hope you all had an awesome holiday with your family and friends! I know this time of year gets crazy, between holiday shopping, putting up decorations, hosting, attending events, it all piles up quickly. (Personally, I’m currently sitting on my couch feeling mildly hungover from nothing but turkey and lasagna.) I wanted today’s newsletter to be a small break from the chaos and a moment to say  thank you . Thank you for tuning in each week, rea

Hi everyone,  There’s been a lot of talk lately about a new 50-year mortgage proposal  being floated as a way to make homeownership more affordable. It’s a big idea, one that could change how people buy and finance homes in places like New Jersey. But before we get too excited, it’s worth looking at what it really means, the potential benefits, and the trade-offs that come with it. What’s Being Proposed The concept, backed by President Donald Trump and housing advisor Bill P

A major change in mortgage lending just went into effect, and it could shape the real estate market in a big way. Fannie Mae, one of the largest government-backed mortgage investors, has  removed its minimum credit score requirement  for loans submitted through its automated underwriting system, known as Desktop Underwriter. The minimum credit score requirement of 620 will be removed from loan case files starting as soon as November 16, 2025. Previously, buyers generally nee

There’s a new tax idea circulating that could have major implications for homeowners and for your timing and strategy if you’re thinking about selling. What’s the Current Rule? Under the current federal tax rules, if you sell your primary residence and you’ve  owned and lived in  it for at least  two of the last five years , you qualify to exclude from capital-gains tax up to  $250,000  of gain if you’re single, or  $500,000  if you’re married and filing jointly.  In other wo

You didn't know Cady Heron (Mean Girls) originally got her Halloween costume idea from 7 years old me, huh? Now you know. And yes, the unibrow is real... This past weekend the family went to check out 13th Hour Haunted House in Wharton, NJ! It's really a well done haunted house for those of you who are into it! The costumes, the displays, the rooms, were all done in a cinematic quality. Highly recommended.  With that said, Halloween is the perfect time to explore the eerie si

Woodland Park, NJ If you’ve been looking at home prices across New Jersey lately, it’s easy to feel a little discouraged. Many towns have seen price jumps of 30–40% since 2020, and bidding wars aren't just common, they are expected. But here’s a little secret (one that I only share with clients who are ready to look beyond the usual hotspots): there are still NJ towns where you can find value and possibly even get a deal,  if  you know where to look and what to look for. Thes

As fall colors start to brighten our neighborhoods, it’s the perfect time to focus on curb appeal. Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or just want to take pride in your home, enhancing your exterior can make a big difference. Let’s explore simple, effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal this season. Why Curb Appeal Matters First impressions matter for buyers and neighbors alike. A well-kept exterior suggests a well-maintained home inside. Fall’s seasonal charm of

One of the biggest questions homeowners face is: should I try to do this project myself, or hire a contractor? On the surface, DIY can...

Can you remember a moment that changed the way you looked at your life? Maybe it was a book you read, a conversation you had, or even an...

When most people think about retirement planning, they focus on 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions. But for many homeowners, the  biggest...

As the warm days of summer fade into crisp autumn air, New Jersey homeowners and renters alike face the important task of preparing their...

One of the final components to final close on a sale is the issuance of the town's CO or Certificate of Occupancy, ensuring the home is...

One of my favorite pictures together... Halloween 2019. If you know, you know This Saturday is a special day for Jassim and I.......