Photo Credit: Brook Hollow Group Inc
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!
