Business is not as we knew it, and that doesn’t mean it can’t be better than it was! We can’t go back – we have to move forward and we can’t long for what was.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Gaily

Was it really that great?

I sell residential real estate and I have always loved my job. An affirmation that I taped to a wall in my office says, “If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.” I’ve had it taped there for a decade and I still believe that. But I found I was on a never-ending treadmill without balance in my life. I always had a great time no matter what I was doing or who I was with, but this forced quarantine has changed so many things for me. I am loving the time at home with my husband and my two Yorkies. We have a great routine and when we need space, we have it. I miss my daughter but enjoy our zoom calls, especially the ones with wine. We talk all the time and send funny and inspiring messages back and forth throughout the day. My new schedule makes plenty of time for exercise throughout the day which I was determined to maintain and I do.

Now let’s get to business!

Now more than ever we understand that our home is truly our sanctuary, our haven, our private space, our protection, our shelter, our peace. On one of our wine-infused zoom calls, I told my daughter that I felt like my home was giving me a hug…I cherish it.

How we do business with our buyers and sellers in the future will look a little different, however, it will be done professionally and carefully and here is how I envision it.

For the Sellers of Property:

Photography is everything!

• Great stills, videos, slideshows, and the more the better.
• Interact and advertise in as many different websites and media sources as possible, along with social media and of course print advertisements. It’s an effective combination of synchronized marketing.
• There must be a COVID-19 addendum signed by all parties, covering that no one in the immediate family is currently sick and no one has traveled recently. This is for the buyers and the sellers.
• The sellers request that buyers wear masks and gloves and some also require booties. No one should touch anything in the house. The broker will open doors and cabinets, when necessary.
• No children at showings.

It is basically the same for buyers…

• The agent would have the buyers follow them in their car and communicate via phone.
• We would confirm that the buyers are not dependent on the sale of their home to make a purchase.
• Sellers want to be sure they are dealing with qualified buyers.

Office Procedures:

• Every company will have its own house policies.
• I love working remotely and plan to do much more of this. 
• It helps with that balance I mentioned earlier.
• Some companies are allowing only one agent for each section of the building and masks and gloves are essential.
• Space may have to be reserved.

Every business will have to figure out their own nuances. The commonality with ALL businesses is both the clients and the employees/staff have to feel comfortable interacting with each other or it doesn't matter what we all do. Be safe and above all be considerate to one another. We are all in this together.

Although business will feel unusual for a while as we acclimate, I truly believe there are many things that will be better than before.

Let’s all work together, it’s so important – NOW MORE THAN EVER!

To contact Vicki Gaily, click on "Learn More" above.

The post “Business as Usual”… Is Unusual, By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Once owned by golf legend Johhny Farrell, this stately Wychwood Colonial has been expanded & upgraded throughout offering three levels of old-world charm blended with modern-day conveniences. Highlights include spacious rooms, gleaming hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, arched doorways, Da Vinci “slate” roof and plenty of windows to bring the outdoors in. Set on nearly a half-acre of landscaped grounds with a patio and two-car attached garage, this home offers plenty of room for living, dining and entertaining. Convenient to schools, parks and award-winning downtown for shopping, dining and NYC transportation, don’t miss this fabulous home!

Address: 951 Kimball Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090

Price: $1,299,900

For more information, please contact Frank D. Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or frankisoldi@gmail.com

Frank D. Isoldi is the exclusive agent representing the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

The post An Upgraded Home In Westfield By Frank D. Isoldi appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Boasting gorgeous curb appeal, this exceptional five-bedroom, four and one half bath Indian Forest Colonial offers three fantastic levels of living space.  The formal living room and dining room each offer a large bay window, while the living room and study share a double-sided fireplace. The spacious center island eat-in kitchen flows into the family room with a gas fireplace. The second level is home to a stunning master bedroom with a sitting room and a private bath with access to the balcony. The second level also offers an en-suite bedroom with a full bath, three additional bedrooms, an office, and a full bath. Finished lower level recreation room, exercise room, and full bath. Set on over a half-acre of lovely grounds highlighted by a heated in-ground pool, waterfall, a patio with built-in gas grill and a three-car attached garage.

Address: 731 Lenape Trail, Westfield, NJ 07090

Price: $1,695,000

For more information, please contact Frank D. Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or frankisoldi@gmail.com

Frank D. Isoldi is the exclusive agent representing the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

The post Frank D. Isoldi Presents An Exceptional Westfield Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Over 43 breathtaking acres along the panoramic Ramapo River surrounds this English Country estate offering an incomparable lifestyle within close proximity to Manhattan.  For the equestrian, there is a 20 stall barn with state of the art amenities, an indoor riding arena, paddocks, and trails.  For the sports enthusiast, there is both an outdoor soccer field, as well as a basketball court, outdoor infinity pool, spa, and private spa for the master suite. There are sport lounges throughout the estate, as well as an indoor pool, wine cellar, home theater, English Pub/banquet, massage room, gym, and padded recreation area. The 10 bedrooms encompass the main residence, the staff quarters and the carriage house.  The details of the main residence are too numerous to list. Unparalleled state of the art technology throughout the compound. Brochure and video tour available.

Address: Mahwah, New Jersey

Price: $18,900,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily 

The post Vicki Gaily Presents A Breathtaking Mahwah Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Twynne River Farm is an incredible estate encompassing 23.8 riverfront acres with a 9-stall barn with living space above. The architecture of both the main house and the barn building was designed by renowned architects Shope, Reno, Wharton from Greenwich, Connecticut. The structures were sited on the estate grounds by the architects to take advantage of the extraordinary views. The barn opens to a limestone jumping area, expansive paddocks and trails along the Ramapo River. Above the stalls is a massive artists’ loft with separate living quarters encompassing 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Infinity pool, hot tub, stone BBQ.  A once in a lifetime opportunity. Adjacent 1.2 acres with 2 antique homes available to purchase for $895,000.

Address: Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Price: $3,995,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Special Properties div. of Brook Hollow Group Inc. Realtors Photo Credit: Special Properties div. of Brook Hollow Group Inc. Realtors Photo Credit: Special Properties div. of Brook Hollow Group Inc. Realtors Photo Credit: Special Properties div. of Brook Hollow Group Inc. Realtors

The post Vicki Gaily Presents An Incredible Mahwah Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Gorgeous new construction offers 6 bedrooms and 6.1 baths in one of Westfield’s most sought after neighborhoods.  Highlights include four levels of living space, extensive custom millwork, and beautiful hardwood floors. Living room and dining room with bay window. Cook’s kitchen features two-toned cabinets, farmhouse sink, center island with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and a separate dining area opens to the family room with a gas fireplace. 1st-floor guest bedroom with en-suite bath, a mudroom, and a powder room. 2nd floor MBR with fireplace, wrap-around walk-in closet, sitting room, and a luxurious bath. Two additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a laundry room. 3rd-floor bedroom with en-suite bath and lower level rec room, bonus room, and full bath. The backyard offers a two-tier paver patio and a Belgium block paved driveway.

Address: 110 Wychwood Road, Westfield, NJ 07090

Price: $1,395,000

For more information, please contact Frank D. Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or frankisoldi@gmail.com

Frank D. Isoldi is the exclusive agent representing the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Photo Credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

The post Frank Isoldi Presents A Gorgeous Westfield Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Vicki Gaily, Marketing Director, Realtor Associate and founder of Special Properties opened up Special Properties in 1992 under Brook Hollow Group, Inc, which was founded in 1978 by Jerry DeCrosta, Broker of Record. Creating Special Properties was a labor of love for Vicki. She attests that real estate has never been “just a job” to her, it is her passion. Receiving national recognition as one of the top luxury real estate specialists throughout the last 37 years, Vicki continues to maintain a position as the top agent in million dollar plus sales in all of Northwest Bergen County, New Jersey from 1992 to the present. Haute Residence caught up with Gaily to discuss the top trends in luxury real estate for Bergen County and what buyers can't live without.

Items that are paramount for the luxury buyer:

Technology

The smart home electronic package is one of the first requirements we receive in our initial inquiries. This one of the primary reasons why new construction and young homes sell before a home that is not equipped. It is quite costly to install a smart home electronic package, however, it is customizable to your individual needs and a great investment when the buyer does install their own.

Wine Cellars & Tasting Rooms

Photo Credit: Brook Hollow Group Inc

These are a big request not only from collectors but also for people who like to entertain family, friends & business associates. Wine cellars become part of the venues and I have been to many custom cellars with fabulous wine tasting rooms that are outside of the cellar as well as within the cellar.

Garages

Photo Credit: Brook Hollow Group Inc

Many people are asking for garages that can accommodate lifts for sports cars to enable them to house more vehicles. They want at least a 4 car garage.

The Hampton's Shingle Style Colonial

This is a more casual style than the manor homes which are also popular. High volume, pools, large windows and in some cases privacy can also be major factors for buyers. We have been noticing architectural changes leaning toward country style rather than the more formal, traditional brick/stone manor. The look is more rambling with changing rooflines and usually has a mix of stone, shingle, masonry stucco & brick with slate, wood or dimensional roofing.

With the SALT package in place as far as state & local taxes, the lower tax towns are becoming more popular than ever. The current lower interest rates, the lower property taxes and the less a buyer has to do to make a home their own are all factors of our current market. The choices one has in the marketplace make this an ideal time to purchase a luxury property which is why we are having the best year in over ten years!

The post Vicki Gaily On The Top Trends In Luxury Real Estate For Bergen County, NJ appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

One of a kind, elegant living in downtown Westfield. Stunning two-bedroom, two full and one half bath condominium in the Savannah. This spacious unit features a gracious living room with gas fireplace, dining room and gorgeous kitchen with SS appliances, granite countertops, center island, and command center. Master bedroom with marble master bath offering double sink vanity, jetted tub and large shower. Addl bedroom and full bath, office, laundry room and powder room complete the unit. The Savannah is an elevator building offering numerous amenities including an elegant lobby, interior courtyard, concierge service, and underground parking. Located in the heart of downtown convenient to shops, restaurants and NYC transportation. Luxury living at its finest!

Address: 111 Prospect Street, Apt 2F, Westfield, NJ o7090

Price: $995,000

For more information, please contact Frank D. Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or frankisoldi@gmail.com

Frank D. Isoldi is the exclusive agent representing the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Frank D. Isoldi

The post A Downtown Westfield Residence With A Spacious Layout appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

An amazing, truly unique 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with gourmet kitchen, full finished walkout basement, 2 car garage with home theater on the second level, a tennis-basketball court, built-in pool with slide, hot-tub and waterfalls, and a covered outdoor kitchen & bar which is nestled on a resort-like professionally landscaped two-acre property. This traditional looking home with a contemporary open floor plan that flows seamlessly throughout the first level with an abundance of windows and plenty of natural light with many wonderful architectural features. The double leaded glass front doors lead you to the 2 story foyer with ceramic floors, that opens to the formal living room with hardwood floors, crown molding, and custom shadowbox chair rails. Through the glass pocket double doors, you will enter the private first-floor office that has built-in books shelves, custom curved bench seat, and hardwood floors. To the other side of the foyer, you will find the formal dining room with crown molding hardwood floors, recessed lights, and custom valances. The family room is off the kitchen with cathedral ceilings, skylights, lots of windows, a gas fireplace with stone surround with natural wood mantel, and oversized patio doors that lead you to the outdoor living space. The eat-in gourmet Kitchen is drenched with natural light. The kitchen has custom cabinets with beautifully detailed trim work, farmhouse sink, granite countertops, large center island, Wolf stove with griddle, subzero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, built-in wolf microwave, and custom built-in Ariston coffee station. A large mudroom is located off the kitchen with built-in coat and shoe rack with access to the back yard and the laundry room that has a double closet, Over-sized front end loading Samsung washer and dryer with base cabinets and folding station. The first floor has newer maple espresso stained hardwood floors in living rm, dining rm, study, and family rm. The second level of this home has a large master bedroom suite with a sitting area, balcony, his and her walk-in closets, tray ceilings, plantation blinds, a private bath with limestone floors, toilet and bidet, multi-spray shower with glass enclosure, double sink vanity and a corner jacuzzi tub. There are 3 additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor the first one is a suite with a private bath and the other two share the hall bath. On the 3rd level, you will find a large storage area with built-in shelves and racks that can serve as an off-season closet. There is also a lovely balcony with views of the backgrounds. You will find a custom wet bar with granite tops, custom glass shelves w/backlights, sink and mini-refrigerator in the finished walkout basement. This large room is set up with a pool table area, a place to watch your favorite game and a full bath. There is also an exercise room, a large carpeted storage area, an extra pantry, and the utility closet. The home has a 15 zoned radiant heating system that warms the house from the floors up. Above the 2 car garage, you will find the theater room that has a full bath, wet bar with mini-fridge. microwave, 8 custom recliner chairs, and red velvet curtains. This 2-acre wonderland is professionally landscaped with pavers, flower beds, mature trees and a fire pit surrounded by waterfalls. The outdoor cooking facility has a Viking grill, 2 burner Viking cook-top, Viking refrigerator, wine cooler, granite tops, cabinets, Lights, Tv, speakers, and ceiling fan. This is a must-see house that has many upgrades, perfect for all seasons entertaining, is close to all major highways but nestled in a secluded peaceful parcel.

Address: 553 New Albany Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Price: $1,449,900

The post Wonderful Moorestown Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

An amazing, truly unique 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with gourmet kitchen, full finished walkout basement, 2 car garage with home theater on the second level, a tennis-basketball court, built-in pool with slide, hot-tub and waterfalls, and a covered outdoor kitchen & bar which is nestled on a resort like professionally landscaped two-acre property.

This traditional looking home with a contemporary open floor plan that flows seamlessly throughout the first level with an abundance of windows and plenty of natural light with many wonderful architectural features. The double leaded glass front doors lead you to the 2 story foyer with ceramic floors, that opens to the formal living room with hardwood floors, crown molding, and custom shadowbox chair rails. Through the glass pocket double doors, you will enter the private first-floor office that has built-in books shelves, custom curved bench seat, and hardwood floors. To the other side of the foyer, you will find the formal dining room with crown molding hardwood floors, recessed lights, and custom valances.

The family room is off the kitchen with cathedral ceilings, skylights, lots of windows, a gas fireplace with stone surround with natural wood mantel, and oversized patio doors that lead you to the outdoor living space. The eat-in gourmet Kitchen is drenched with natural light. The kitchen has custom cabinets with beautifully detailed trim work, farmhouse sink, granite countertops, large center island, Wolf stove with griddle, subzero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, built-in wolf microwave, and custom built-in Ariston coffee station. A large mudroom is located off the kitchen with built-in coat and shoe rack with access to the back yard and the laundry room that has a double closet, Over-sized front end loading Samsung washer and dryer with bases cabinets and folding station. The first floor has newer maple espresso stained hardwood floors in living rm, dining rm, study, and family rm.

The second level of this home has a large master bedroom suite with a sitting area, balcony, his and her walk-in closets, tray ceilings, plantation blinds, a private bath with limestone floors, toilet and bidet, multi-spray shower with glass enclosure, double sink vanity and a corner jacuzzi tub. There are 3 additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor the first one is a suite with a private bath and the other two share the hall bath.

On the 3rd level, you will find a large storage area with built-in shelves and racks that can serve as an off-season closet. There is also a lovely balcony with views of the backgrounds. You will find a custom wet bar with granite tops, custom glass shelves w/back lights, sink and mini-refrigerator in the finished walkout basement. This large room is set up with a pool table area, a place to watch your favorite game and a full bath. There is also an exercise room, a large carpeted storage area, an extra pantry, and the utility closet.

The home has a 15 zoned radiant heating system that warms the house from the floors up. Above the 2 car garage, you will find the theater room that has a full bath, wet bar with mini-fridge. microwave, 8 custom recliner chairs, and red velvet curtains. This 2-acre wonderland is professionally landscaped with pavers, flower beds, mature trees and a firepit surrounded by waterfalls. The outdoor cooking facility has a Viking grill, 2 burner Viking cook-top, Viking refrigerator, wine cooler, granite tops, cabinets, Lights, Tv, speakers, and ceiling fan.

This is a must see house that has many upgrades, perfect for all seasons entertaining, is close to all major highways but nestled in a secluded peaceful parcel.

Address: 553 New Albany Rd, Moorestown, NJ 08057

Price: $1,449,900

The post Incredible Moorestown Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

23 + Acre Riverfront Estate, Mahwah, New Jersey - 30 minutes from New York City. The Greenwich architectural firm of Shope, Reno, and Wharton created a stone and shingle style masterpiece which was built by James Nigro with no expense spared. The views are breathtaking and extraordinary. The 9 stall barn opens to a limestone jumping area, expansive paddocks and trails along the Ramapo River. Above the stalls is a massive artists' loft with separate living quarters encompassing 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Infinity pool, hot tub, stone BBQ, make this a once in a lifetime opportunity. Adjacent 1.2 acres with 2 antique homes available to purchase for $895,000.

Address: 23+ Acre Riverfront Equestrian Estate, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430

Price: $3,995,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily 

The post Rustic New Jersey Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Stunning new construction featuring 6 bedrooms and 6.1 baths perch on a lovely lot on a private cul-de-sac. Interior highlights include pine moldings, gleaming hardwood floors & whole house generator.
Fabulous center island EIK w/farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, and breakfast bar. Family room w/gas fireplace.
Convenient first-floor en-suite bedroom and study. Master bedroom suite with gas fireplace, his/hers walk-in closets & luxurious bath.
3rd-floor bedroom & full bath. Lower level rec room & full bath. Offering plenty of outdoor space including a paver patio and retaining walls, this home is ready to move in and enjoy!

Address: 14 Amy Dr, Westfield, NJ 07090

Price: $1,650,000

For more information, please contact Frank D. Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or frankisoldi@gmail.com

Frank D. Isoldi is the exclusive agent representing the Westfield, Union County, New Jersey real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photos courtesy of Frank D. Isoldi

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