About Towne Realty Group

Market Knowledge
If it happens in Millburn/Short Hills, Towne Realty Group  knows about it.  Along with its seasoned sales staff of full-time professionals, they service Maplewood, South Orange, Livingston, West Orange, Springfield, Summit, Chatham and surrounding towns in Essex, Morris, Union and Somerset Counties.

Two of our founding members, Karen Eastman Bigos and Daniel Cannizzo were born and raised in Millburn and both are graduates of Millburn High School. Active in a wide array of local civic organizations, including holding a seat on the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber Of Commerce, for over 25 years, Karen and Dan share an insider’s knowledge of the area – its housing inventory, neighborhoods, schools, recreation programs, shopping, government functions and more. Their ongoing involvement in courses and seminars on industry topics keeps them on top of every issue important to home ownership while extensive relationships with area Realtors help secure deals. Both Karen and Daniel have the e-PRO certification, as do five other associates in the office.  There are two certified Short Hills Sale Specialits, a Certified Distressed Propoerty Expert, three Acreddited Buyers Representatives, and four Brokers in the office.

Setting the Stage
Publicizing your home is only part of the marketing effort. The other element is making sure it shows perfectly. Towne Realty Group helps clients stage their homes so that they sell faster and get the best price. They spend weeks helping sellers prepare for the best debut possible by making recommendations and contracting vendors to assist with repairs, washing windows & carpets, decorating, landscaping and clearing out clutter.

Proactive Advocacy
Whether you’re buying a home or selling one, Towne Realty Group understands the role a Realtor plays for each type of client and acts as a forceful advocate for getting you the best price and the best terms for your transaction.

Responsiveness is another big issue in real estate. With Towne Realty Group, you have not only the owners of the company on your side, and our Broker of Record and Sales Manager Carolee Jones, has managed three top offices at Burgdorff Realtors for 15 years.  She leads our team of sales associates, each with a vested interest in making sure that the client’s needs are fully served. Their proactive approach relies on constant communication and updates, availability via voice mail, cell phone and email on our Blackberries and iPhones, and attention to detail in every step of the buying/selling process. All of their sales associates have a several years of experience and they share the theory that "We are not Number One; You Are." Towne Realty Group clients are always kept in the loop.

Superior Promotion
A virtual media blitz is unleashed for every property that is listed.  Starting with an arsenal of high resolution, wide angle digital photos, virtual tours, aerial photos when appropriate, artists’ renderings or water colors to enhance the exterior and floor plans (many of which are interactive) to present your home in the best light. With these tools, we develop high-end, color advertising materials and launch an extensive marketing campaign that includes direct mail to targeted lists, as well as extensive local, regional and national advertising in magazines and newspapers.

Word goes out via Cyberspace to as many as 25 high-traffic real estate Web sites and with email flyers to hundreds of Realtors and homeowners in their extensive database. In addition to traditional Sunday open houses for prospective buyers, Towne Realty Group sponsors Broker open houses of three hours or more to introduce your home to all local real estate brokers representing qualified prospects.  Handsome For Sale signs are placed on the lawn and riders with a direct domain for the property hangs on the sign.

Attention to Detail
No detail is too small for Towne Realty Group. First, buyers are pre-approved and credit checked to ensure viable offers. Our in-house mortgage representative is Erdine Skelton from Wells Fargo Mortgage Services.  Clients are entered into a database to automatically receive links to listings that meet their requirements, the minute they come on the market. Brochures and floor plans are faxed, delivered or emailed so buyers can decide whether to run out and see the listings as they hit the market. Once a transaction is underway, Towne employs a full-time transaction coordinator and an Internet expert who manages the complex interaction of agents, attorneys, inspectors, vendors, web postings on 20+ sites, and, of course, clients. The office follows a most thorough 42-point checklist that tracks every conceivable aspect of a home sale or purchase.

Invaluable resources are offered to homeowners preparing to sell and those who have just purchased, like a roster of architects, skilled tradesmen, landscapers and other contractors. In addition they arrange for all utility transfers prior to closing and offer a Home Warranty Service that can provide added protection to your home in the first year of ownership and while it is listed for sale.