Roomination: Renovation and Home Care - June 2025

Nailed It...

(Home Care and Renovation Edition)

In this edition, we're focusing on home care and renovation—a timely topic, as the Essex County housing market is, for the most part, well… old. Whether you're a current homeowner who has decided to stay put and renovate your home to fit a new lifestyle or finally moving forward with a long-awaited project; or a potential buyer who loves old homes but doesn't know where to start the reno/refresh journey—this edition is for you.

BUT FIRST: Let’s discuss the state of the market.

You may be hearing reports that the housing market has faltered. Across the nation—primarily in the Sunbelt and now in the West, where land is more readily available—homes are sitting, contract cancellations are rising, and sales price increases have slowed.

A New York Times article from this past week highlights the confluence of factors—high mortgage rates, market uncertainty, and job instability—that are driving the persistence of a stubborn, yet pricey, housing market.

Courtesy: CNBC

In Essex County, we aree seeing fewer offers (but still multiple), a few homes sitting longer on market, and increased inventory. Montclair, for example, saw the most inventory since 2021—91 homes! However, what we are not seeing is a drop in prices. Real estate is local—if not hyper-local. In Montclair, we reached our highest average sale price yet: $1,686,577. This beats the June 2024 average of $1,612,276, and the May 2025 median price of $1,600,357 was well above May 2024’s $1,513,666.

This trend holds across most of the “brand-name” Northern NJ towns offering direct train access (yes, those mandatory in-office days matter), good schools, vibrant downtowns, and well-functioning infrastructure (sewer systems, anyone?). These factors have kept Northern NJ home prices resilient.

The Takeaway:

For buyers, I’m happy to report that many of my clients—even those with generous budgets—were able, in most cases, to get into Montclair at or below the average and median price. But—and it's a big BUT—they were willing to do renovation work and when we sensed a momentary dip in the market (it happens – some weekends just see random slow-downs), my clients were ready to tour homes while other buyers were on vacation or sitting on the sidelines. However, for clients who needed (almost) turnkey properties, $1.8M+ was typical.

If you’re a seller, there’s still a market for you. But you know this: your home will only fetch those storied prices if it gets a little freshening up. Buyers cannot see past your 2001 kitchen renovation or worse they see it as a trend of deferred maintenance. That’s where an experienced agent comes in to help you determine what and where freshening a home will be the most profitable. 

And that brings us neatly back to our main theme: renovation and home care. See what I did there? My English professor would have been thrilled.

Befores & Afters

I love a good before and after - everyone does! So we are going to start a series featuring the most dramatic staging and renovation makeovers. If you follow me on instagram, you will have seen some of work featured. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching my clients turn their “someday” ideas into actual realities. It all felt kind of abstract at the time. And now? They're doing it. Kitchens, bathrooms, built-ins—the whole thing. Take this one in #VeronaNJ that was actually historic, featured House & Garden in July 1928 (iconic). When we first walked through, it had great bones. Gracious, yes. Spacious, definitely. But... tired. My client—with her impeccable taste and vision—saw what it could be. And now? It’s a showstopper. When I asked her about the renovation my client said "It has always been my dream to fix up an old charmer, and it has been incredibly rewarding to bring this house back to life for our family of five. The kitchen was easily our most anticipated project, and Meredith played a vital role in helping us envision the potential of this space during our initial walk-through four years ago. We couldn’t be happier with the results!" I appreciate the credit - but the was 99% her design and sweat equity. Watch the reel to the end to see other room transforms. Honestly, I should probably start a series. “Clients Who Go All In and Nail It.” (ok, it’s a working title). If you've transformed your space, I’d love feature your work—because nothing makes me happier than seeing good houses get the glow-up they deserve.

O.Mira Landscaping: an all-time fave

Over the years, we've cultivated a pretty solid list of go-to pros—plumbers, electricians, painters, landscapers, you name it—who actually do the work, on time, and at a fair price.

We've all heard the nightmares: renovations that drag on for months, contractors who vanish halfway through, or “handymen” who leave behind more problems than they fix. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and the right people should be treating it as such—making it better, not worse, with each project.

The thing is, the difference between a good contractor and a great one isn’t just about skill—it’s about communication, reliability, and standing behind their work. These professionals show up when promised, keep you informed throughout the process, and treat your home with the same care they'd give their own.

If you’re tired of the runaround and want a contractor who actually shows up and does the job right, check out this list of reliable, trusted people we’ve handpicked for not just clients, but for us too. We will update this list periodically so if you have worked with a trade who you LOVED, send our way and we can add to the list.

Pet Sitter Available

(Get My Kid Out of the House)

You can thank companies for creating remote internships because it frees up intelligent students to sit for your pet! Asher Bergmann, is  a 20-year-old Cornell student and Montclair native who's back in town for the summer and working virtually. That means he's around, responsible, and ready to help care for your beloved pets and your beautiful homes.

Ever since he was little, we struggled to keep him away from animals—dogs, cats, chickens, you name it. Whether it’s a shy cat or an energetic pup, he's happy to help them feel safe, happy, and loved while you’re away.

On the human side of things, he's also inherited his mom’s love of architecture and real estate. So whether it’s a century-old Victorian or a minimalist modern marvel, he'll care for your home like  it’s his/mom's own.

So If you're heading out of town this summer and need someone to keep an eye on your pets, plants, or just make sure the mail doesn’t pile up like a suspense thriller, feel free to reach out to him!  He’s looking forward to meeting you and your furry (or feathered or scaled or exoskeleton having) family members. He can be reached at [email protected] / 862-333-8525

Local Happenings

Music Under the Stars

SATURDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER

6:30-8:30 PM, SPIOTTA PARK

Summer just got better! Every Saturday, South Orange hosts a free outdoor concert series running from June through September. Pack a chair, grab your crew, and let local musicians soundtrack your perfect summer evening in downtown South Orange.

Juneteenth at Flood's Hill

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 6:30-9 PM

FLOOD'S HILL, SOUTH ORANGE

Flood's Hill comes alive with live music, inspiring readings, delicious food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Join South Orange in celebrating Juneteenth with an unforgettable evening honoring history, freedom, and community spirit.

Celebrate Pride!

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1-5 PM

220 PROSPECT ST. SOUTH ORANGE

Get ready for tropical vibes and family festivities! The South Orange Elks Club hosts a Pride Luau packed with bounce houses, shaved ice, drag queen story hour with Harmonica Sunbeam, face painting, fairy hair, hula hoop contests, and delicious food. A colorful day of games, snacks, and community celebration for all ages.

Classic Cars & Craft Delights

SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 11-5 PM

DOWNTOWN WEST ORANGE

It's West Orange's spectacular Downtown Street Fair! This exciting partnership between the Township and Thomas Edison National Historical Park brings together gleaming classic cars, local artisans showcasing handmade crafts, delicious food vendors, and refreshing beverages. A perfect blend of automotive nostalgia and community creativity right in the heart of downtown.

Classic Cars in Bloom

SUNDAY JUNE 15, 12-3 PM

21 VAN VLECK ST., MONTCLAIR

Celebrate Dad in style at Van Vleck Gardens' annual Father's Day tradition! The Jaguar Touring Club of New Jersey showcases stunning classic and modern Jaguars amid the garden's spectacular blooming flowers. A perfect combination of automotive elegance and natural beauty. $10 admission at the gate (kids under 10 free), no registration required. Rain date: Sunday, June 22, 12-3pm.

90s Nostalgia at The Wellmont

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 6:30 PM

WELLMONT THEATER, MONTCLAIR

Dust off those flannel shirts and relive your 90s angst! The Gin Blossoms bring their iconic hits lto Montclair's historic Wellmont Theater, with special guests Spin Doctors. An epic night of nostalgia that'll transport you straight back to the decade of alternative rock greatness. Tickets on sale here >

Three Stages, 200+ Vendors & Family Fun

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 12-6 PM

MONTCLAIR

Downtown Montclair transforms into a vibrant celebration for Pride! This year's festival features three stages of live entertainment, over 200 local vendors including LGBTQ+ owned businesses and food trucks, plus a dedicated Family Zone with drag story time, face painting, and the unique Audi car decorating experience. From Main Stage performances on Lackawanna Plaza to sensory-safe spaces for all families, this inclusive festival celebrates community with style. Party continues at Porta's after-party from 9PM-1AM.

Lifestyle Tips and Tricks

Home Projects That Boost Value

I read this with a critical eye - a steel door was requessted by my clients exactly NEVER. A closet renovation feels overly personal - who is to say what you want versus what the next owner will want. I can get on board with new windows...

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

Foolproof Paint Colors That Will Sell Your Home

In this article, safe choices is the name of the game. I am a big fan of SimplyWhite but I like to do trim with another white shade for depth. If you are a seasoned renovator, clients have been embracing moodier colors. But do not try unless you understand your buyers and where and how to use these newer darker hues.

Courtesy of HGTV

Pending & Sold Listings

Montclair

44 Beverly Road

5 BD 5 BA UNDER CONTRACT

South Orange

3 Glenside Road

6 BD 4 BA SOLD $1,310,000

Thanks for reading and subscribing! Ready to achieve your next real estate goal?

Meredith Bergmann

Lic. Sales Assoc.

Principal Agent

M: 917.355.4074

O: 973.310.7360

[email protected]

Jennifer Casey

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

M: 917.209.5659

O: 973.310.7360

[email protected]