Virginia Varela, e-Pro

2010 Hoboken Sales – Condos and Coops

virginiavarela — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:58:05 +0000

2010 HOBOKEN CONDO & COOP SALES

QUARTERLY SALES	FIRST QUARTER	SECOND QUARTER	THIRD QUARTER	FOURTH QUARTER
	(1/1 – 3/31)	(4/1 – 6/30)	(7/1 – 9/30)	(10/1 – 12/31)
Properties Closed	141	282	165	153
Average Asking Price	$548,909	$515,278	$521,718	$494,155
Average Sold Price	$520,063	$496,427	$497,090	$475,386
% Asking -VS- Selling	-5.3%	-3.7%	-4.7%	-3.8%
Average Days on Market	90	74	82	84
QUARTERLY INVENTORY	FIRST QUARTER	SECOND QUARTER	THIRD QUARTER	FOURTH QUARTER
	(1/1 – 3/31)	(4/1 – 6/30)	(7/1 – 9/30)	(10/1 – 12/31)
Available Homes	560	504	500	289
Average Asking Price	$523,342	$526,936	$532,982	$544,566
Average Days on Market	86	90	98	107
Studios	21	16	13	10
1 Bedroom	210	184	169	99
2 Bedroom	278	247	268	151
3-4 Bedroom	51	57	50	29
Year To Date Closed	141	422	573	726
Monthly Average Closed	47	70	64	61
Months of Inventory	11.9	7.2	7.9	4.8

Al Fresco Dining in Jersey City

virginiavarela — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:40:25 +0000

What’s better then dining out in Jersey City? Why, it’s dining al fresco in Chilltown.

When you’re feeling like you want to stay local and enjoy the beautiful weather in this up and coming town, here is a list of my favorite Jersey City restaurants with sidewalk, rooftop, or garden seating:

Amelia’s Bistro
187 Warren St
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
201-332-2200

Lovely and intimate ambience makes this restaurant a great place for a romantic date. Good food, good service, and a friendly staff, this is a place many locals frequent especially during the warm days for an al fresco experience. The website is a little slow but mentions “Amelia’s on Wheels” which offers high-end catering.

Azucar
495 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
(201) 222-0090

Though the bar service and Mojitos are nothing to brag about, this restaurant has lovely sidewalk seating for a fun al fresco experience. Having a second level cigar lounge with bar and live Latin bands on weekends, Azucar is one of the more unique dining establishments in the area. Located across from the Newport/Pavonia PATH station and near the Lightrail Stop, you might want to call before arriving as at times they require reservations.

Bistro La Source
85 Morris Street
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(201) 209-1717

Very nice restaurant in Paulus Hook known for its delicious brunch menu. With relaxed but nice decor and good customer service, this place is definitely a keeper.

Embankment Restaurant
234 10th Street
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
(201) 222-6115

Chic restaurant in the Hamilton Park neighborhood is known for its delicious brunch menu but very high prices. Though the decor is said to be better then its food, there is lovely al fresco dining on warmer days.

Madame Claude Cafe
364 1/2 4th St
Jersey City, NJ, 07302
201-876-8800

This quaint French restaurant is a BYOB with good food and great crepes, both savory and sweet. Bring enough cash with you as they don’t accept credit cards and the ATMs are not walking-distance. On the corner or 4th & Brunswick, this is a good location for brunch and limited al fresco dining in the warmer months.

Skinner’s Loft
146 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ
(201) 915-0600

Warm and welcoming location with a nice selection of small plates, dinners, and wines, this lovely place is just blocks from the Grove Street PATH station. The first level has the bar and small tables if you’re in a casual mood. The second level has a more formal, yet initmate atmosphere, and yes, on the warmer days there is a lovely little rooftop for dining al fresco!

Pet-Friendly Apartments

virginiavarela — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:21:06 +0000

Your pet is a part of your family, and you need an apartment that will accept your pet. So what should you know about your next home?

Start your search by checking out websites and asking agents for only apartments that specifically allow pets.

After you narrow down your search to the areas and apartment communities in which you’re interested, consider the apartment’s pet policies. Pets provide health and happiness to their owners, so it’s only fair to consider your pet’s happiness and health as well.

Some apartment communities will require an additional deposit for a pet, as well as additional monthly rent for apartments with pets.

Some apartment communities only allow cats. Those that allow dogs may have weight and size restrictions, (ie: dogs under 30lbs), breed restrictions (no pitbulls), and or numbers of animals allowed in one apartment.

While some apartment communities cater to your pets needs with dog runs and pet spas, other have restrictions about where pets can or cannot go. Never move into a home and try to hide your pet from the landlord. Your pet, your landlord, and you will be miserable if any of you have to go.

Choose an apartment that is safe and convenient for your pet to take walks, etc. If your dog needs frequent bathroom breaks and lots of exercise during a day, living on the top floor of a 25 floor high-rise may not be the most logical choice for your new home.

Be sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations, that you have the correct city and county animal permits, and don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet.

Check out the following resources:

Liberty Humane Society: http://libertyhumane.org/home.php
The Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org
The Anti-Cruelty Society: http://www.aspca.org
Animal Legal Defense Fund: http://www.aldf.org

Pet-Friendly Hoboken Rental Buildings

Please contact me if your building accepts pets and you would like to be listed on my blog.

1000 Jefferson

1000 Jefferson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

1 bed: $2,350 to $2,800, 2 beds: $3,000 to $3,440, 3 beds: $4,250 to $4,505 Luxury rentals 1, 2 & 3 Bedrooms, 9′ Ceilings, Aqua Lounge, Concierge, Controlled Access, Covered Parking, Granite Countertops, Pets Welcome, Resident Lounge, Rooftop Deck, NYC Views, Shuttle Service toHoboken Path Station, Skylights, Stainless Steel Appliances, Terraces, outdoor pool, roof deck, fitness center, on-site parking.

800 Madison

800 Madison Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

Luxury rental units, courtyard pool, lounge, 1,2,3 Bedroom residences, high ceilings. 1 bed $2400, 2 Beds $3,055.00, 3 Beds $4800, Parking $225. Pets under 65 lb, $500 per pet.

Berkshire, The

1401 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

1 bed: $2,290, 2 beds: $2,625 Hardwood floors, Balconies,* Custom Cabinetry, Quartz Counter Tops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Tile floors, Washer dryer in unit, Dishwasher, Air conditioning, Alarm system, Elevator, Fitness center, Garages, Pets allowed, Playground, Pool

Hudson Square North

235 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

1 Bedrooms $1830 to $2415, 2 Bedrooms $2450 to $3170, 3 Bedrooms $3135 to $3450. On-site management office, Hudson River & New York City views from some homes, Gracious marble elevator lobbies, Landscaped courtyard, Alarm system & 24-hour emergency maintenance assistance, On-site parking available for a fee, Handicap access, Pets permitted, Pre-wired for cable TV & high-speed Internet access, Coded security system, Private balconies or terraces on some homes, Oak Parquet floors, Wall-to-wall carpeting in Bedrooms, Thermo-pane windows, dishwasher & top-mounted microwave, European-style cabinetry

Hudson Square South

205 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

1 Bedrooms $2050 to $2590, 2 Bedroom/2bath $2,800 to $3,550, 3 Bedroom/2bath $3,505 to $4,000 A few blocks from the PATH station, Private courtyard, Water & New York City views from some homes, Doorman building (daytime & early evening hours), Alarm system & Handicap access, 24-hour emergency maintenance assistance, Limited on-site parking available for a fee, Pets permitted, Pre-wired for cable TV & high-speed Internet access, Coded security system, washer & dryer in each residence, Private balconies or terraces on some homes, Honey oak parquet floors, Wall-to-wall carpeting in Bedrooms, Thermo-pane windows, dishwasher & top-mounted microwave, European-style cabinetry

Independence at The Shipyard

1 13th Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

Studio $1695, 1 Bedrooms $1945, 2 Bedrooms $2695,3 Bedrooms $3775, Air Conditioning, Alarm System, Business Center Onsite, Covered Lot, Fireplace, Fitness Center, Internet Access, Patio Balcony, Pets Allowed, Pool, Washer Dryer In Unit, Two Private Swimming Pools, Dog Run, Playground, Game Room, Conference Room, Playroom, Fitness Center, attended lobby, a roof-top pool, concierge service, parking garage, fitness center, children’s playroom, close to marina & retail shops. Luxury rental on theHoboken waterfront. Views of the river & Manhattan, Close to the Ferry to Manhattan.

Observer Park

50 Bloomfield Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

Steps from PATH to Manhattan, high-rise offering, Private courtyard, Handicap access, On-site covered & reserved parking for a fee, Pets permitted, Terrazzo Marble lobby, Pre-wired for cable TV & high-speed Internet access, Coded security system, Private balconies or terraces on some homes, Honey oak parquet floors, Wall-to-wall carpeting in Bedrooms, Thermo-pane windows, dishwasher & top-mounted microwave, European-style cabinetry

Vanguard at The Shipyard

1201 Hudson Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Click Here for Map

1 Bedrooms $1850, 2 Bedrooms $2550,Historic location, Hudson River & Manhattan skyline view from some homes, Patio or balcony on some residences, Indoor & outdoor children’s play areas, Private fitness center, Riverfront promenade, On-site management office, Handicap access, On-site parking available for a fee, Pets permitted, Professional Concierge service, washer & dryer in each residence, Private courtyard/roof deck, High-speed T-1 Internet access, Cable TV or DirecTV™ programming capability, thermally insulated windows, dishwasher & top-mounted microwave.

2010 Blizzard in Jersey City

virginiavarela — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 01:56:56 +0000

I knew when I saw my window brighten from the lightening strike and heard the accompanying thunder while it was snowing in Jersey City, that this snow storm was bizarre. I felt that Mother Nature was definitely letting us know who was boss, and I was most definitely going to give her the respect she is due.

23 inches of snow and wind gusts of 30+ where reported, and according to several weather reports, we’ve hit Top 5 record of the reported snow fall in the area. I awoke to see my backyard with several 3 to 5 foot plants, was completely blanketed with snow, several tufts of green barely peaking out of the pristine view. Half of my window was covered with the fluff, the patio table looked like a beautiful huge white mushroom, and I dreaded opening my front door to have a small avalanche fall onto the floor of my ground-level apartment.

I watched the news as New Jersey declared a State of Emergency, and wondered who was insane or desperate enough to drive in this weather. Having had been in several terrifying experiences in bad weather including a 360 spin-out into a ditch on Route 80 a few years back, and another time seeing several sports cars lined-up in ditches, I knew I was not going to drive my car which is in need of a brake job.

The news also reported that NJ Transit bus service had been suspended, and Hoboken had also declared a State of Emergency. Though my walk to Hoboken from Jersey City Heights down Ravine Avenue is only 15 minutes, the State of Emergency, wind advisory, lack of bus service, and constant advice to “just stay home” convinced me to err on the side of caution. The fact that my stairs weren’t even visible, and my landlord finished shoveling the snow from my walkway at 10:30am, made it pretty much impossible for me to hoof it to work, so I worked from home thanks to my understanding broker and boss.

As I finished a few hours of work online, the rumbling in my stomach reminded me it was time for lunch. Realizing my fridge was empty and my curiosity prompted me to walk to the nearest grocery store. The vignettes I would see in my neighborhood included a winter wonderland of frustration as neighbors shoveled their driveways and cars spun their wheels attempting to move from their parking spots. As I walked toward my car parked on the corner of Prospect and Oakland, I knew that the 5+ foot mound of snow behind my car created by the street cleaners would complicate my next morning’s commute. I didn’t own a shovel, and I was definitely going to have to invest in one. I resigned myself to having to walk to work the next day. Unfortunately the nearest store was closed due to the weather, so I walked to another store on Webster Street which had Lipton Chicken Soup in stock, and back home I trudged.

The next day, as I walked toward the bus stop, I saw a NJ Transit bus stuck in between a mound of snow and a silver SUV on Central Avenue. It had apparently jack-knifed and was blocking all of Central Avenue traffic, including the 87 bus to Hoboken. Walking to work it was. I slipped once on some compacted wet snow, but I was well insulated and the snow was quite soft. I shared the street with cars as most of the sidewalks where yet shoveled. As I got to Ravine, I saw a young man trying to figure out the best route down the hill. He turned out not only to be neighbor, but someone who worked in my building as well. We walked down the street and made it to work on time.

I left work early to run some personal and work-related errands, and walked back up the hill to my apartment. I dropped off some things, and searched Central Avenue for a shovel. Walking through the now cleaner sidewalks and sludge on each crosswalk, locals photographed themselves standing on a 10 foot mound of snow at the Stop and Shop Supermarket parking lot. I walked by Manhattan Avenue which hadn’t been touched by the snow plows. By the time I finished my errands, shovel in hand, it was quite dark. Another day will hopefully melt the snow further and I can hopefully shovel my still-trapped car.

AVAILABLE HOBOKEN & JERSEY CITY APARTMENTS FOR RENT

virginiavarela — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:35:35 +0000

James Madison, Studio / 1 Bath @ $1,720

Flexible lease dates available, starting from 12/1/2010 through 1/15/11 latest. 6 month lease term available, subject to rent increase. Gas, hot water and 24 hour maintenance services are included in rent. Links are attached for your review. Luxury High-rise apartments. Floor to ceiling windows, views of NYC skyline, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk-in closets, parquet floors, in unit Washer/Dryer, near PATH & Ferry.

Lincoln, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $1,770

John Adams, Studio / 1 Bath @ $1,775

Roosevelt, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $1,810

Thomas Jefferson, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $1,900

George Washington, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $1,925

John Adams, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $1,985

Aquablu, Studio / 1 Bath @ $1,985

James Madison, 2 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,055

11th Street 2B/1B @ $2,145

$500 Fee paid! Available 12/15/10. FIRST MONTH FREE! Pets are welcome. Elevator Buildings/24-Hour Emergency Service/On-Site. Laundry Rooms. Rent includes heat, hot water and cooking gas. Pets are welcome.

George Washington, 2 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,085

South Hampton, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,100

East Hampton, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,125

Atlantic, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,145

Riverside, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,145

John Adams, 2 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,150

Roosevelt, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $2,220

Courtyard at Jefferson 1B/1B @ $2,250

Available 1/1/10. A 144 unit brick building featuring 1-2-3 Bedroom apartments. Landscaped courtyard, indoor parking, Gym, Shuttle Service to & from the PATH train, Drop off Dry Cleaning, Washer & Dryer in unit, Elevator Building.

Metropolitan 2B/2B @ $2,450

Full Fee Paid! No dogs. Available 1/1/10. Spacious apartments in elevator bldg. Washer/dryer in unit, Central gas heat/AC, Hardwood floors, Tile baths, Generous closets, Euro kitchen with all appliances. Landscaped terrace & fitness center for tenants only. Private parking garage. Gourmet coffee bar, dry cleaners, nail salon on premises. Close to bus, ferry, Path train to midtown, downtown Manhattan & Jersey City. Secure bldg with live-in super.

Washington Street 3B/1B @ $2,750

$500 Fee paid. Available 12/15/10. FIRST MONTH FREE! Pets are welcome. Elevator Buildings/24-Hour Emergency Service/On-Site. Laundry Rooms. Rent includes heat, hot water and cooking gas. Pets are welcome.

Clinton Street 3B/1B @ $2,710

The Cliffs Lofts 1B/1B @ $2,800

Full Fee Paid! Available 1/1/10. Over 120 Luxury Rental units. Studios, 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available. High Ceilings, exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, high speed internet, courtyard, picnic area, fitness center, concierge, pet-friendly, shuttle services, parking, near Light Rail and major highways.

Washington Street 4B/1B @ $2,800

FIRST MONTH FREE! Available 12/15/10. Pets are welcome. Elevator Buildings/24-Hour Emergency Service/On-Site. Laundry Rooms. Rent includes heat, hot water and cooking gas. Pets are welcome.

Atlantic, 1 Bed / 1 Bath @ $2,425

Riverside, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $2,745

Pacific, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $2,840

John Adams, 3 Bed / 2 Bath @ $2,910

James Madison, 3 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,005

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,230

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,265

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,325

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,440

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,495

Atlantic, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,580

Aquablu, 2 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,685

The Cliffs Lofts 2B/2B @ $3,500

The Cliffs Lofts 2B/2B @ $3,800

Full Fee Paid! Available 12/01/10. Over 120 Luxury Rental units. Studios, 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available. High Ceilings, exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in closets, high speed internet, courtyard, picnic area, fitness center, concierge, pet-friendly, shuttle services, parking, near Light Rail and major highways.

Aquablu, 3 Bed / 2 Bath @ $3,850

New Jersey-Based Shows Boom on Television

virginiavarela — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 22:30:15 +0000

Ever since the ending of one of America’s most beloved television series, The Sopranos, a slew of New Jersey based-television shows have tried to copy the formula of its success, and though some have been hit or miss, the rage continues.

The Sopranos

The Sopranos premiered on HBO in the United States on January 10, 1999 and revolved around New Jersey-based mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) plagued by panic attacks, his family life and the organized crime family he heads. Based in Essex County, North New Jersey the show highlighted many New Jersey towns such as Elizabeth, Kearny, Lodi, Newark, and Jersey City, even in the beginning credits. After 6 seasons of violence, sex, and acclaim, on June 10, 2007 it ended with much controversy and dissatisfaction to its viewers when it cuts to black, and leaves Tony Soprano’s and his family’s fate in mystery spurring rumors that (due to the alleged greed of its producers), a future full-featured film would be released in order to continue to milk this cash cow. This mafia saga is reminiscent of another notable work, The God Father, and though the show has been frequently criticized for allegedly perpetuating negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans, it is credited with allowing other drama series with similarly mature content to achieve mainstream recognition, and won 21 Emmys and 5 Golden Globes.

House

House is a television medical drama (or black comedy to some) whose central character is Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), an unconventional diagnostic genius who heads a team of good-looking doctors at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital in New Jersey with actual aerial views of Princeton University’s Frist Campus Center. However, unlike The Sopranos, House does not film on location nor highlights New Jersey landmarks. Like The Sopranos, the protagonist is villainous but lovable. It is most likely the main character’s cantankerous, brutally honest, antisocial demeanor which appeals to his mostly over 30 female demographic as a very sexy brilliant bad boy. (Not to mention he rides a motorcycle, is a talented musician, and is addicted to pain killers.) Criticized for being too formulaic, most episodes revolve around the diagnosis of a primary patient, 1) events start with the onset of the patient’s symptoms, 2) the team attempts to diagnose the patient, 3) the team treats the patient and the treatments fail, 4) the patient’s condition gets critical, 5) Dr. House gets a medical epiphany from some obscure occurrence or passing statement, 6) Dr. House finally, saves the patient and the day (but not always). The series was among the top-ten rated shows in the United States in the 2008–09 season, and received several awards, including a People’s Choice Award, a Peabody Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. The new season begins Monday, September 20, 2010.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered in March 2006 capitalizing on the success of another guilty pleasure but fictional series Desperate Housewives, which provided the base concept for the series. To date there are five different versions of the series including Orange County, New York City, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and last but definitely not least, New Jersey. The Real Housewives of New Jersey is the highest-rated series of the “The Real Housewives of” franchise which originally followed the lives of five Italian-American women in and around the upscale Franklin Lakes, New Jersey community. Unlike its counterparts, the series follows women who are related, sisters Caroline and Dina and sister-in-law Jacqueline. However it is the contention between family friends Theresa and Danielle, which have people glued to the TV set and blogospheres, as flipping tables and attempted cat-fights erupt during family gatherings and reunions. The discovery of a book about Danielle’s sordid past, bankruptcy, litigation, whispers of mafia connections, and, yes, more criticism about perpetuating negative Italian-American stereotypes have viewers coming back for more.

Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore is a reality television series, on MTV with the same concept as “The Real World,” of strangers living together, and follows eight young Italian-American and self-proclaimed “guido/ guidette” housemates spending their summers together, in the first season at the Seaside Heights, New Jersey and filmed in other towns such as Toms River, Neptune and Atlantic City. The show debuted amid large amounts of controversy regarding the use of the slurs “guido/guidette”, reinforcing Italian-American stereotypes and scrutiny from New Jersey residents because the cast members were predominantly New Yorkers and seemed to be portraying New Jersey residents in a negative and embarrassing light. With their hot tub soakings, drunken stupors, tans, and fist pumping, Jersey Shore continues to offer low-brow entertainment to the masses and inspire other New Jersey-based reality shows.

Jerseylicious

Jerseylicious is a comedy docu-soap that takes place in the Gatsby Salon in Green Brook Township, New Jersey, focusing on the mother and daughter owners of the salon, Gayle Giacomo and Christy Pereira, and their team of make-up artists with big hair, bigger egos, long nails, orange tans, and petty rivalries. Criticized for its lack of originality and trying to horn into Jersey Shore’s fame, it airs on the Style Network, Sunday nights at 10pm.

Jersey Couture

Jersey Couture is a docu-series that follows the interactions of the Scali family as they work together running Diane & Co., a dress boutique in Freehold, New Jersey. The show focuses on the operations of the store as well as the personal lives of The Scalis, including Gambale, younger and single sister Christina, brother Anthony and parents, Diane (who owns the boutique and designs custom gowns), and Sal (who manages the demands of customers). Criticized for lacking drama but applauded for not scripting tension, the show airs on the Oxygen network.

Cake Boss

Cake Boss is a reality television show, set at Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey which can be spotted when entering Hoboken by the long line of visitors waiting to get into New Jersey’s newest tourist attraction. The show stars Buddy Valastro, the shop’s master baker, his Italian-American family, and depicts their lives running the bakery and typically baking a challenging cake for themed events like a life-sized racing car cake for NASCAR or a mechanical bull for a barber shop. The new season premieres on October 26, 2010.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Aqua Teen Hunger Force is an animated television series, yes a cartoon, shown on Cartoon Network as part of its Adult Swim programming about the adventures of three anthropomorphic fast food items including Master Shake (a Milk Shake), Frylock (a container of French Fries), Meatwad (a Meat Ball) – and Carl, their sarcastic and pot-bellied next-door neighbor in suburban southern New Jersey. The title refers to the squad’s original mission to “conquer hunger in teens” but instead has convoluted plots regarding aliens, monsters, and generally doing mean things to each other. Some shows begin with non-sequiturs of Dr. Weird and his assistant Steve creating monsters, disasters, etc. in their secret lab in the Jersey shore or space aliens. It is the longest running original series on the network and has a large cult following.

Mercy

Mercy is a medical drama which aired on NBC from September 23, 2009 to May 12, 2010 shot on location in Paterson, South Amboy, Sayreville, and predominantly highlighted many businesses of Jersey City, New Jersey. On May 14, 2010, NBC announced that Mercy has been canceled and would not return for a second season due to low ratings. Criticized for being “a bunch of played-out hospital clichés” and “just another hospital soap opera,” seems they excluded the winning formula of glamorized gangster-related Italian-Americans or hate-to-love-you protagonists.

Boardwalk Empire

Boardwalk Empire is an upcoming Prohibition-era gangster television series on HBO, created by screenwriter and producer Terence Winter of The Sopranos and director Martin Scorsese. The show is set in Atlantic City, New Jersey due to its strategic location as a hub of activity for rum-runners, and proximity to Philadelphia, New York City and Chicago. The show stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, Atlantic City’s Treasurer, and the man to see for any illegal alcohol, and includes a crew of Ward Bosses, local thugs, and historical cameos including Lucky Luciano, (Vincent Piazza) and Al Capone (Stephen Graham). The series is scheduled to debut on Sunday, September 19, 2010.

Virginia Varela, Hoboken REALTOR® Obtains e-PRO Certification To Provide Consumers with State-of-the-Art Services

virginiavarela — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:00:20 +0000

For Immediate Release
Virginia Varela, Hoboken REALTOR® Obtains e-PRO Certification To Provide Consumers with State-of-the-Art Services
Contact: Virginia Varela,
Tel: (551) 358-8375
E-mail: Virginia@VirginiaVarela.com
Monday, July 27, 2009 – As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals stay on top of the latest technology for the benefit of con mers and real estate practitioners alike. The e-PRO Technology Certification Program fills that need.
Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) created a comprehensive Technology Certification course in 2000. And now that course, e-PRO , has been completely updated to include information on Social Media and Web 2.0 aspects that is, and will continue, to change the real estate business.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years,” Virginia Varela said. “Today, more than 85% of all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As an e-PRO certified specialist with over 15 years in on-line marketing, web and graphic design, I have the unique knowledge and skills needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand.”

The all new e-PRO certification course — the only technology certification program offered by NAR — is designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and imp ment new Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates represents only four percent of all REALTORS in the country including Virginia Varela.

The e-PRO certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

The exclusive e-PRO certification course is presented entirely online and certifies real estate agents and brokers as Internet professionals. The course is designed to help REALTORS stay at the leading edge of technology and identify, evaluate and implement new Internet business models.

Once completed, the e-PRO certified real estate professional joins the ranks of a special community of highly skilled and continuously trained professionals who provide high quality and innovative online-based real estate services. Consumers can identify the e-PRO through the exclusive e-PRO Internet Professional logo.

Both the content and the delivery platform were created by the San Diego-based technology company InternetCrusade®. Graduates use the skills they’ve acquired to provide clients information on properties for sale, lo communities, and the local real estate market.

For more information, e-mail Virginia Varela at virginia@virginiavarela.com or call (551) 358-8375.

How to Make Your Website Wireless Device Friendly!

virginiavarela — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:48:54 +0000

With the Average Joe turning more and more to their smart phones, Ipods, PDAs and other wireless devices for instant information it is imperative that your website is “WAP” friendly.

What is the simplest way to keep your website WAP friendly? Well….keep it simple.

1. Although Flash is cool and looks great on your desktop or laptap, most wireless devices cannot read Flash. Websites designed entirely in Flash are INVISIBLE on a WAP device, therefore by all means use Flash as a banner or ad, but understand it will not appear on most wireless devices.

2. Use MOSTLY text and a few graphics nicely organized in a simple table, ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR LISTINGS! The more complicated a table, the more scrolling the web surfer will have to do, and it may confuse and frustrate your audience.

3. Use text AND graphics instead of just one large image or image map on your webpages, and make sure your images are less than 72 DPI each, so that your website loads quickly.

4. Use text links as hyperlinks, and place them at the bottom of your website. Mouse-over images are fine, but a web surfer wants to be able to read your buttons, menus, and navigation, not squint and guess if they’re going to the correct web page.

REMEMBER, wireless devices are smaller than PCs, MACs, and laptaps, and still don’t have all of their functions. A simple, useful, and well-organized web site will look good and load quickly on either a wireless device or a computer. Good web design is good web design!

Check out both desktop and mobile versions of websites from your computer AND wireless device and note the differences. Either way, you easily find all the information the website has to offer.

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Virginia Varela is a New Jersey Licensed Real Estate Agent in Hoboken New Jersey. She has over 15 years experience as a web and graphic designer and received her Web Master Certification from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Virginia Varela, e-Pro Certified Marketing Coordinator

virginiavarela — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:41:02 +0000

With over 15 years in marketing and as a local Jersey City resident, Virginia Varela specializes in the on-line and direct sales and marketing of condos, rentals, and other residential properties in Hudson County. As the e-Pro Certified Marketing Coordinator, Virginia Varela is committed to personal service and customer satisfaction. Make an appointment today and Virginia will assist you with all your real estate needs.

http://www.virginiavarela.com

Full-Time Real Estate Agent
Local Market Experience
Local Demographic Insight
Advanced & Current Research
Personal & Customized Attention
Superior On-Line Marketing
Sophisticated Web Resources
Certified Web Design
Expert Graphic Design
Professional Desktop Publishing