Issuu

M A R C H 2 02 1

HOME I SSU E

GOODBYE WINTER...HELLO SPRING!

KDBOUTIQUENJ.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Refine + Renovate SPRING CLEANING + RENOVATIONS IN NORTHWEST BERGEN…LOTS TO LEARN AND LOTS TO SEE Does your living space need an update? This month is the perfect time to shop for homes or begin a renovation project that you have had on your mind for a while, and we are here to help. Home projects can feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. If you have multiple rooms that you want to remodel, which one will make the biggest difference in your overall life? Start with that, and you can always pause before beginning the next one. Here is some advice from a few of our local experts who have the experience, the knowledge, and the tools to help you renovate and refine your home(s). But before doing all that, take stock of your financing options. Kevin Shanman, President of Cornerstone

Kris Pepper | kris.pepper@lifestylepubs.com CRE ATI VE MANAGER

Jean Terman SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Lauren Cali AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Patty Lacourte CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Krysti Sabins Photography, LuxQue Photography, Eric Shollenberger

Capital Financial Services, can help you navigate the world of mortgage financing. You might just find out that you have more options than you think! When one thinks of entering their home, the first thought might not be your garage door; however, in Northwest Bergen, it’s the dawning of the Age of Aquarius when it comes to garage doors. With beautiful traditional and or contemporary designs, a touch like adding windows to your new garage door might just let the sunshine in. We are all spending a great deal of time at home so let’s take advantage and make it productive. How about one of several DIY projects suggested by Patty Lacourte

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Designs? If it’s a bit more than DIY, (DIWP) Do It With Patty.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Is it Wi-Fi, or is it SkyFi? Yes, the true audiophile has a new home right “hear” in Glen

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Rock. SkyFi Audio specializes in purchasing, reconditioning, and reselling high-end

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

audio equipment; see it and hear it to believe it.

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

And last but not least, spring is just around the corner, so start planning today with

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Horizon Landscape Company in Wyckoff. We are all itching to get outdoors, so if it’s landscape design and construction services, landscape lighting, plantings, or maintenance, they have got you covered. Here’s a great reason to shop local in March: The unique character of Northwest Bergen is defined in large part by the businesses

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

that reside here, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of your home and property. Make the pledge with Northwest Bergen Lifestyle: SHOP LOCAL | EAT LOCAL | SPEND LOCAL | ENJOY LOCAL

Keep safe, be careful, and most importantly, stay healthy.

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA

Marc Schwartz, Publisher

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen ON THE COVER Horizon Landscape Company PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRYSTI SABINS PHOTOGRAPHY 6

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northwest Bergen areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northwest Bergen Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

You're Home Plan your event with us Let us do all the work for you!

soidutS dnalivaH fo ysetruoc otohP

Cocktail Party

Business Meeting

Bridal/Baby Shower

Wedding Ceremony

Luncheon

Multi-Course Dinner

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Reception

Intimate Spaces

TWO OUTDOOR TENTS

Five Fireplaces

• Voted Most Romantic/Best Alfresco Dining/Best Brunch • Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine Collection

Give our Private Dining Manager a call to discuss all the possibilities! 1 east franklin turnpike ho-ho-kus, nj 07423 | 201.445.4115 | www.hohokusinn.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021

FEATURES 12 Play Outside Plan a Staycation Really Close to Home!

18 Spin Into Skyfi Audio Reconnect with Music and Rediscover Hi-Fi

24 Aquarius Garage Doors The Gift You Can Open All Year Long

12 24

28 Patty Lacourte Springs Up with Fresh Design Ideas

28 DEPARTMENTS 6

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Renovate & Refine

Local Limelight

24 Local’s Choice 28 DIY 34 Financial Buzz

AROUND TOWN

SQ PIZZA CO OPENS IN MAHWAH SQ Pizza Co, a new Roman-style pizzeria, has opened at 380 Route 17 South in Mahwah.

PROVIDENT BANK OPENS WYCKOFF BRANCH; NAMES MAUREEN CORNICELLI AS MANAGER

Owner George Georgiades, is also the owner of

Provident Bank has opened a new branch at 345

fast-casual Greek concept Eons in Paramus and

Franklin Avenue, in Wyckoff. The full-service banking

Montvale and previously was executive chef and

facility offers customers a welcoming environment

partner of Varka in Ramsey.

with convenient features that include a drive-through,

With a menu using high-hydration, long-rising

ATM, night depository, and Saturday hours.

dough made with non-GMO flour imported from

Maureen Cornicelli of Park Ridge was named

Italy customers can enjoy a light and airy crust that

Assistant Vice President, Banking Center Manager

pairs deliciously with various toppings or used for

of the new branch. She has more than 35 years

their sandwiches.

of experience in retail banking and most recently

SQ Pizza Co.

served as a Financial Service Officer/Branch

380 Route 17 South

Manager with Columbia Bank.

Mahwah

Provident Bank

sqpizza.com

345 Franklin Avenue

STITCHES IN TIME WITH PEGGY NORRIS

Wyckoff provident.bank

American quilts have decorated our beds and kept us warm for two centuries. On Wednesday, March 24 at 7:30 pm, Peggy W. Norris explores the great variety of quilts from 1800 to 1976, with a special look at quilts made in Bergen County. Get a sneak peek at the quilts to be displayed at the Bergen County Quilt and Coverlet Show. Better known for her study of local history, Peggy has also made a study of American quilts, especially those made in Bergen County. She is a member of the local Brownstone Quilters Guild and of the national American Quilt Study Group and a quilt-maker herself. Peggy and other local historians are planning a quilt and coverlet show for June 11 and 12, 2021, in

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

Ridgewood. There will be an exhibit, special tours

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

and lectures, and an exhibit catalog.

NorthwestBergen using the Get In Touch link and

ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org 10

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

let us know what you think.

RENOVATE & REFINE

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY KRYSTI SABINS PHOTOGRAPHY, LUXQUE PHOTOGRAPHY

PLAN A STAYCATION REALLY CLOSE TO HOME!

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

play outside

Fireplace and bar area

“Homeow ners a re i nterested i n pat ios, f i repits, outdoor k itchens, a nd hot t u bs. People wa nt to use thei r ya rds both day a nd n ig ht, a l l yea r long.”

HAS THE PAST YEAR MADE YOU FEEL A LITTLE SHUT-IN?

“Outdoor lighting sales have increased because people are

Maybe your immediate family has been tightly packed in, and

staying outdoors later into the evening,” says Karishma Ramani,

a little too close for comfort. You may need an escape--or

Horizon’s Sales and Marketing Manager.

at least a bit more social distancing within your own home!

The project pictured was completed in Allendale and is an excel-

Consider developing alfresco living spaces in your backyard

lent example of bringing the indoors out while creating an inviting

to provide beautiful areas to spread out or hang out with

environment year-round. It was a full renovation of an existing pool

friends in the fresh air.

area centered around installing a new outdoor living space, a fire-

Horizon Landscape Company specializes in creating outdoor living environments for families to soak up the sun and settle down under the stars.

place area, an outdoor kitchen, and several seating areas. New coping (or trim) was installed around the pool, and several new seating areas were designed. A kitchen patio, fire-

“Everyone wants their backyard to be their vacation area,”

place area, and bar patio required leveling and terracing the

says Chris Tanzola, Landscape Sales Manager at Horizon.

property. Working to integrate the existing elevation of the pool

“Homeowners are interested in patios, firepits, outdoor kitch-

and the home’s access points was a challenge because the pool

ens, and hot tubs. People want to use their yards both day and

was significantly higher than the rest of the back yard. However,

night, all year long.”

the finished project’s multi-dimensional look is stunning. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

T he dema nd is cu r rently out weig h i ng the supply.

People a re beg i n n i ng thei r projects much ea rl ier

because they wa nt to be

f i rst on the l ist as soon as the weather clea rs.”

“Homeowners are also looking to level out their back-

Any appliance or feature available in your traditional

yards to create more livable space using retaining walls,”

indoor kitchen can be applied in an outdoor setting,

notes Shawn Kukol, Landscape Production Manager.

including beautiful countertops, cooktops, refriger-

Designs of this scale and proportion won’t fit every

ators, sinks, and icemakers. “The main focus is that

budget or property; however, there are various ways that

people want to have an area outdoors to socialize and

you can upgrade your outdoor living space no matter what

entertain,” says Chris. “People don’t want to be stuck

your property size or budget may be. “Many clients want to

inside anymore.”

create a simple but beautiful patio with a fire pit,” says Chris.

If you are planning an outdoor project in 2021, be sure

“Woodburning fire pits are very economical while gas fire

to plan ahead. “Hardscape and planting materials are in

pits are a bit more expensive. Other homeowners want to

short supply due to the surge in construction because of

add outdoor kitchen features to an existing deck or patio.”

COVID,” says Shawn. “We sometimes have to travel 75

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Aerial view of finished design

miles to find a supplier with pavers in stock.” The demand

renderings so that the homeowner can see different

is currently outweighing the supply,” says Michele Morrow,

angles of the property and design,” says Chris.

Landscape Administrator. “People are beginning their

“We offer exceptional customer service. You can always

projects much earlier because they want to be first on the

get someone on the phone, and we are extremely responsive

list as soon as the weather clears.”

because each department has a specialized administrator to

Now, more than ever, the importance of working with a professional landscape design service is apparent. Horizon

manage the projects,” says Chris. Horizon stands behind their work with warranties on plant materials and hardscapes.

offers complete design plans so that their clients will know

Consider a home-grown “staycation” this year while

what the finished project will look like before a shovel

adding value and beauty to your home. It won’t be just

even enters the ground. “We lay it all out virtually and can

another pretty space!

create different perspectives with computer-generated

horizonlandscape.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

• OLIVE • R • TWIST •

OLIVE OIL COMPANY Our olive oils are always fresh, heart-healthy and antioxidant rich.

olive oils • ba l

ft gi

ods • cu t fo st

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Visit online olivertwistoliveoil.com

eg c vin ars • go

(201) 882-1515

34 wilsey square ridgewood, nj

s • fine extr

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN AND SKYFI AUDIO

RECONNECT WITH MUSIC AND REDISCOVER HI-FI

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Spin Into Skyfi Audio

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

“TURNTABLES BRING EVERYONE BACK TO THEIR HEYDAY.” VIDEO MAY HAVE KILLED THE RADIO STAR, BUT TURNTABLES ARE HERE TO STAY!

“I’ve been into hi-fi since I was 7 or 8 years old,” he says. “I grew up in Spain, and my dad owned some nightclubs and pubs. I loved

Fernando Zorrilla certainly knows about the sound of vinyl. As

working on the sound systems.” An electrical engineer by trade and

the owner and operator of Skyfi Audio in Glen Rock, he specializes

consummate entrepreneur, Fernando worked at several large corpo-

in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high-end audio

rations before founding a few of his own companies, including Skyfi.

equipment. Each piece is cosmetically restored and tested for sound

“Turntables bring everyone back to their heyday,” he says. “We

and functionality in his lab to meet or exceed the original manu-

restore vintage high-end turntables and stereo equipment and

facturer’s specifications. Fernando focuses on analog, high-quality

modernize them so that they are more reliable to fit the needs of

American and European-built units.

today’s customers.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Fernando

True to the store’s tagline,

acquires a piece of

Once

“rediscover hi-fi,” vinyl sales

equipment, he metic-

have been trending upward in

ulously restores it far

recent years, and manufacturers

beyond its original

are bringing equipment out of

beauty and function.

retirement to press records once

He stocks brands like McIntosh, Marantz, Luxman, and JBL, along with quintessential vintage

again. Reel-to-reel tapes are also

turntables from Thorens and Garrard dating from the 1960s – 1980s. He builds casings for

making a come-back with some

the units from fine woods including mahogany, teak, oak, and rosewood, and selects custom

esoteric albums going for as

fabrics as speaker coverings to complement the entire grouping.

much as $500.

“One client sent me a photo of an empty room with a piece of artwork hanging on the wall. He wanted me to create a cool hi-fi system to reside underneath the painting,” says Fernando.

“COVID has presented a wonderful opportunity to reconnect

The resurgence of the turntable and interest in component design to include both all-in-one

with music,” says Fernando.

receivers and separate components is turning up the volume for music lovers who appreciate

“My daughter suggested that

great sound and functionality combined with beautiful design aesthetics.

we put a turntable in the dining

The vintage pieces harken back to a time when a family may have taken out a loan to buy a

room and listen to it while we eat

hi-fi console. “There were fewer forms of entertainment available 40-50 years ago, and the ste-

dinner. We take turns selecting

reo was a central piece of the living room, where family and friends would sit together to enjoy

what record we will listen to each

a favorite record. My customers want turntables and beautiful components to enjoy with their

night. Sharing music together

friends, hang out, and pour a glass of wine. We reconnect when we sit with company and share

creates a wonderful lifestyle.”

music. Although convenient, the iPhone made us lose that relationship between the listener, the

Catch you on the B side!

artist, the music, and the album itself,” remarks Fernando.

skyfiaudio.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

LUXURY INTERIORS I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

D E C O R A T I O N S T Y L I N G V I R T U A L

D E S I G N C O N T A C T

U S

F O R

Y O U R

odevecA einaleM yb yhpargotohP

Complimentary Consultation hello@michellepaulineinteriors.com

www.michellepaulineinteriors.com (201) 681-0208

THE DEFINO DIFFERENCE

The diﬀerence we make is not just our popular 3.9%* commission rate. Selling a home is a complex process and hiring seasoned experts to guide you through that process makes all the difference. The “DeFino Difference” is our experience, deep community roots, and the ability to help our clients successfully sell their homes for over 65 years.

Anthony Donato: Broker

Adam Defino: Broker/Owner

201-741-5443

201-693-0103

tony@definorealtors.com

adam@definorealtors.com

D E FIN

R E A L T O R S

* All commissions in the state of NJ are negotiable.

www.DenoRealtors.com | (201) 891-2022 22

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Garage Door & Opener Home Improvement 201-425-6199

AquariusDoor.com

681 Lawlins Road, Unit 120 in Wyckoff, NJ NJ LICENSE #13VH02294500

LOCAL’S CHOICE

COURTESY AQUARIUS GARAGE DOORS

ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY

GI F

OU TY

N CA P O

AL LY EA RL ON G

JULIE RIGHTON HAS OWNED AQUARIUS

entry doors that will match your garage

GARAGE DOORS SINCE 1987. As both a

door for a unified look.

woman and a veteran, she offers a unique

The company is also a top ten dealer with

perspective in a business that’s typically

the Carriage House brand, which carries

male-dominated.

traditional wood-stained doors crafted from

“Most people enter and exit their homes

mahogany, cedar, or redwood. The doors

through the garage door, so guests tend to

present a traditional look while operating like

see it more than your main entryway,” says

typical overhead doors.

Julie. “It’s one of the top ten improvements to

If your style is more modern, consider

increase resale value; a new garage door is a

checking out C.H.I.’s Sterling line, featur-

major component of your home’s curb appeal.

ing both tempered glass and steel models.

Aquarius is one of the largest Clopay

Glass doors are completely tinted for privacy

dealers in the country; the company offers 24

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

and security but allow light inside.

+ AQUA R I US

TH E

G A R AG E + DOORS

GARAGE DESIGN AND TECH TIPS +

Highlift tracks can bring the door as close as possible to the ceiling to maximize height and space. This can be effective for adding car lifts or creating recreation space within.

The Liftmaster motor app can remotely open and close the door from a mobile device.

Amazon delivery drivers will soon carry a device that recognizes your motor’s unique code to open the door for completely secure package delivery.

+ +

Cameras can be installed to monitor comings and goings. Black is the new white. Black doors are gaining in popularity for contemporary homes.

Aquarius’s technicians can help you select the right solution for your garage, whether that means restoring your existing door to its former glory or replacing it with a brand-new, long-lasting door. From sales to repairs and replacements, Julie and her team will make every element of maintaining your garage door convenient and hassle-free. aquariusdoor.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

Do You Have Stuckathomeitis? Jennifer Edelson Joel Wesseldyke

Quick getaway, 3-5 days, near/far, w/wo kids Call for suggestions / assistance

Jen / Joel

844-483-6669

JoelKnowsTravel.com

x/x/2021

JJTravelAssociates.com

The contact lens for your ear. Experience the world’s only 100% invisible, extended-wear hearing device today!

Ann Marie Olson, Sc.D.,CCC-A NJ Audiologist Lic #41YA00082000 NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser Lic #936

50 N Franklin Tpke, Suite B1 Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 www.sophisticatedhearing.com

(201) 345-5115 26

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

MS071674

201.444.4616 DESIGNS@PAT T YL ACOURTE.COM

V I DE O C ON F E R E NC E C ON SU LTAT ION AVA I L A B L E U P ON R E QU E ST

DIY

ARTICLE PATTY LACOURTE PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN, DECOR PHOTOS: ERIC SHOLLENBERGER

PAT T Y L ACO U RTE

Patty Lacourte; Photo: Jean Terman

SPRING UP WITH FRESH DESIGN IDEAS

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

PATTY LACOURTE HAS SERVED CLIENTS THROUGHOUT

THE

TRI-STATE

AREA

THROUGH HER DESIGN FIRM. For over 25 years, she has curated residential and commercial interior designs inspired by her travels to London, Paris, Berlin, Prague, and Tokyo. Thus, she brings a global perspective and influence to every project. Along with Patty’s full interior design services, she offers “in-home” shopping to help her clients choose the right upholstery, wallpaper, lighting, and accessories. Her bespoke collections

offer

the

exceptional

pieces

needed to make your home feel complete by creating beautiful, timeless décors that are meant to be lived in and enjoyed with comfort and sophistication. With spring on the way, you may wish to check out Patty’s advice on freshening up your home for the warmer weather.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

DIY (CONTINUED)

top ten ways to bring spring into your home

1. Choose a bright and happy wallpaper to bring life into a powder room or master bathroom.

2. Give your kitchen or family room a refreshed look by selecting a new paint scheme. Check out the 2021 trending colors such as Benjamin Moore's Beacon Hill Damask or Atrium White.

3. Lighten up your bedroom or living areas with a furniture piece or two wrapped in grasscloth and accented with gold or nickel hardware.

4. Accent your favorite sitting room with a lacquered side table or a lucite coffee table to create interest.

5. Use floral arrangements and leafy fig trees to give any space an airy, springtime look.

6. A simple way to give a room an updated and spring look is to define the space with an area rug. Try using an indoor/outdoor rug that comes in a multitude of designs and colors.

7. Create more storage in your room by using functional furniture with drawers and shelving such as nightstands, side tables, and etageres.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

“make a room cozier with window treatments”

8. Make a room cozier with window treatments. Both panels and Roman shades are simple treatments that can give your room a pop of color and a fresh look. 10. The finishing touch in any room lies in its decorative accessories. 9. Lighting in any room is essential to brighten it up. Use shapely lamps with simple shades or even a fabulous ceiling fixture, whether flush mount or chandelier, to illuminate the room and pull it all together.

"Use floral arrangements to give any s p a c e a n a i r y, springtime look"

Don’t overcrowd your space. Use purposeful items, such as beautiful trays, boxes, and clocks, sprinkle in small floral arrangements and picture frames. Reupholstering is a wonderful way to bring new life to old pieces. It is amazing how a few simple coats of finish and carefully sourced fabric can create a beautiful statement look. Whatever suggestions you choose, keep your look simple and fun--and be sure to bring out your unique, personal style! pattylacourte.com

CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

• HONEST PHILOSOPHY • PERSONAL APPROACH • PROVEN SUCCESS Steven W. Tarta, Esq.

201.444.8448 | tartalaw.com 700 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

I have known Steve for years and have worked with him on a variety of estate planning projects. We just completed a complicated ‘dynasty’ trust and he walked my family through the entire process in a very professional and caring way. He has unmatched expertise in estate planning and he has a gift for making what can be a painful process a pleasant experience. He is charming and a person of deep integrity. I trust him completely and find him to be a ‘straight shooter’. I will continue to recommend him to friends and colleagues without hesitation.” ~ Mark S--Glen Rock, N.J.

Jumbo Loans

PURCHASE

Conforming Loans

REFINANCE

FHA

VA Loans

DEBT CONSOLIDATION

Reverse Mortgages

CONSTRUCTION FINANCING

WE LOVE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS Cornerstone Capital has over 13 years of experience helping homeowners apply and obtain mortgages in Bergen County. We strive to make the process of applying for a mortgage as easy as possible by taking the time to thoroughly explain all the steps and requirements needed for any purchase or refinance. Our goal is to make the mortgage process as pleasant, positive, and transparent as possible.

Kevin Shanman NMLS #286456

( 2 0 1) 265 - 4545

SCAN TO COMPLETE SECURE 1003

(MORTGAGE APPLICATION)

CORCA P F INANCIAL .COM

Licensed by the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance

DON’T BE LATE Tax season is here. Make an appointment now Call Kelly @ 201-447-1343 or email kelly@thehaggertygroup.com www.thehaggertygroup.com

accounting • tax • advisory CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen

FINANCIAL BUZZ

CORNERSTONE C A P ITA L THERE’S NO DOUBT THAT COVID HAS IMPACTED THE HOUSING AND MORTGAGE WORLD. Just ask Kevin Shanman, President of Cornerstone Capital Financial Services. “COVID has created subtle changes in the mortgage industry.

MORTGAGES MADE EASY

Mortgage brokers can help their clients navigate these changes and offer much more personalized service than the big banks can,” says Kevin. Because he works with various lenders, Kevin can connect each client with the appropriate lender. Here, he shares a few things to know about today’s market.

CLOS INGS Closings are quite different than they were preCOVID because of social distancing. Buyers and sellers now show up to the attorney’s office separately, and this staggered scheduling process has created a logistical challenge to complete the paperwork.

FAN N IE AN D FR E DD IE Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines are ARTICLE KRIS PEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY JEAN TERMAN

now more streamlined thanks to the pandemic.

Homebuyers with good credit standing, assets, and equity are streamlined into an automated pro-

TH E GOOD N E WS

cess that makes approvals easier and smoother.

Rates are low, and buyers can get more house for their

Sometimes the formal appraisal is waived to speed

money. Migration from the cities to the suburbs has

up the process and avoid an appraiser having to

created a boom in housing sales since last March, and

come into the home.

low rates are attractive for refinancing.

FHA LOAN S

KNOW YOUR LE N DE R

Borrowers who need FHA loans usually have lower

“Throughout my career, I’ve always emphasized

credit scores, smaller down payments, or a higher

providing a great level of service to my clients. I

income-to-debt ratio. This process requires more

enjoy providing that personal touch,” says Kevin.

documentation and tax return history. Buyers may

“Zoom doesn’t perfectly replace that, but we

also undergo additional income scrutiny because of

make it work!”

potential job or income loss due to the pandemic.

Northwest Bergen Lifestyle | March 2021

Urgent Care. Anytime, Anywhere. Use Valley Connect Now to see a provider 24/7, day or night. There is always a provider waiting for you. Simply go to ValleyConnectNow.com. For adults and children (ages 2 and up). When you need us, we’ll be here for you.

You can also schedule an online appointment with a primary care provider. Learn more at ValleyHealth.com/Telemedicine.

Visit ValleyConnectNow.com, or download the Valley Connect Now app from your device’s app store.

Care Like No Other

™

ValleyConnectNow.com