Luxury Statistics Now Available at TheJillSmithTeam.com

Luxury sales statistics are now available at TheJillSmithTeam.com. These statistics cover the towns of Millburn-Short Hills, Summit and Chatham and are divided into two categories: houses originally listed between $1-$2 million and houses originally priced over $2 million.

Although dollar volume dropped dramatically for houses priced between $1-2 million in Chatham in 2008, average sale price was up 3% from 2007. Less houses sold but sellers who did not have to sell remained steadfast in their pricing even in a buyer's market. Average sales price in Millburn-Short Hills and dollar volume were both down in 2008 although sales for homes priced between $1-$2 million have historically fluctuated plus or minus 6-7% in the past 8 years. Millburn-Short Hills remains a top choice for luxury homes in the area and sales have always been strong. Summit's dollar volume in 2008 was well below that of 2007's totals, but prices in Summit's luxury market are even more consistent than Millburn-Short Hills, fluctuating no more than 2% annually since 2000.

For all the details please visit TheJillSmithTeam.com's Sales Statistics webpage for Luxury Statistics, Statistics by School District, Statistics by Town and Quarterly Under Contract Statistics.

Team Member Kathy Murphy Gets Green

Local Realtor® Achieves National Association of Realtors® Green Designation

Summit, NJ. Kathy Murphy long time Short Hills resident and sales associate with The Jill Smith Team of Keller Williams Realty in Summit, NJ has been awarded the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Kathy Murphy achieved this designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS®. The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country, ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Kathy Murphy was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president. NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As a NAR Green Designee, Kathy Murphy has gained the knowledge and tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for the residents of the Summit area. To find out how Kathy’s green expertise can assist you in buying or selling a home please contact her at KathyMurphy@kw.com or visit TheJillSmithTeam.com for more information.