Welcome to My Blog! Please feel free to email me @ karinaabadnj@gmail.com

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Hoboken Film Festival!

That's right! The 3rd annual Hoboken International Film Festival officially kicks off tomorrow! This year promises to be bigger and better than the last two with appearances by a few celebrities! Make sure to visit their website, http://www.hobokeninternationalfilmfestival.com, there you'll be able to learn more, see the line up of films and purchase tickets! Most run at about $9 a movie, and some are shown at Pier A park with a majority of the films however being shown in Teaneck NJ, which is just about a 20 minute drive from Hoboken.


Hoboken the next Hollywood? Not quite but there are big sponsors jumping on board and with the push of some well known artists they are betting that this festival in years to come will have as large a turn out and notoriety one day as the Tribecca film festival. Big hopes need lots of supporters! So get out and support the arts!

A great sale today and tomorrow in the city...

I'm a girl, so I love shopping and more than shopping I love sales! Chocolate is a whooole other thing!


There is a great sale up to 70% off on some of my favorite things!

Candles, compacts, bronzers, and shades! All things we need!

It's today and tomorrow, today till 7pm and tomorrow noon to 5pm, at 584 Broadway between Houston and Spring. Suite 1111


Carey would approve!!

Hoboken Rental? Done!

I'm so excited! It looks like I was able to rent a friends/clients beautiful studio condo. I'm super excited and relieved. It's stressful believe it or not when your selling or renting someone's place. You feel personally responsible and connected to the place and of course want to do a good job!


Anyway, so 725 Washington is off the market! Now she can move to the UK on her next adventure!

Are you trying to rent your place? Or know of someone having trouble? I'd be happy to help!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

NY Times article says sales are low, seller's counter your offers!

The NY Times article this morning's headline read "U.S. Home Sales Remain Sluggish As Supply Soars". Read the full article here. The National Association of Realtors much anticipated sales figures release was announced on Wednesday. Read the full report here. Here is an exerpt taken from the article directly related to condo sales.
"Existing condominium and co-op sales increased 6.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 500,000 units in April from 470,000 in March, but are 9.4 percent lower than the 552,000-unit pace a year ago. The median existing condo price4 was $173,900 in April, down 18.5 percent from April 2008."

These are two good articles to read whether you're looking to buy, sell or rent out your place.

Last night a buyer that I'm working with submitted an offer, a good offer - not $100,000 below asking, and after the agent told me that her seller had turned down an initial offer when they first listed - before the price reduction - they want to counter at full price.
Surprisingly this isn't common. Unfortunately I don't believe that seller's are being educated by their agents as to our market. Or perhaps they are in denial. Seller's need not give their places but they shold understand that it is a buyer's market, numbers are low, prices are depreciating and inventory is growing. Not to mention buyer's are cautious not to overpay and understand that their new place will probably depreciate some more during their first year of ownership.

Seller's are competing for a smaller pool of buyers so a few things to consider when selling and preparing for an offer.
  • Make sure your home shows great, smells great and is sparkling clean.
  • Accomodate as many appointments as you can, even last minute ones.
  • Be ready to negotiate any offer low or not. You don't know when or if there will be a next one. Always always counter.
  • Study figures monthly. What sold last month isn't valid this month.
  • Reevaluate and review feedback provided by your visitors.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day - Central Park and Benny Tudino's!

Enjoyed a great Memorial Day today with friends in Central Park. A last minute invitation led us to venture out of Hoboken to enjoy the nice weather and do something different.

We headed to meet with friends in Sheeps Meadow, off of the 68th street entrance at Central Park. There, a great open field with lots of people sun bathing, playing frisbee and volley ball, picnicking and people watching awaited us. Armed with some sun screen, bug spray plus football and towels in tow, we found our friends and enjoyed a day in the sun! It was so nice to get out! Definitely a freedom we are grateful for, and deserving of a moment of silence and reflection in memory for those that have sacrificed for us.

After some fun volleying, my sweetheart and I decided to take a walk around the lake and then watch the roller skating dancers. They are so amazing! And what's so great is that most of the dancers are older than both of us and in such great shape - so charismatic and full of life!

This fabulous woman in the picture below, although this wasn't taken today, was dressed in a jumper and danced to house music with style! She was so inspiring to watch. We were both wowed and a woman next to us in true New York fashion exclaimed, "she's ridiculous!"

Back in Hoboken for dinner, we enjoyed some pizza at one of our favorite pizzeria's in Hoboken. The famous Benny Tudino's located between 5th and 6th on Washington Street. Yes their slices are obscenely large, but that doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice flavor for size! Their pizza is delicious. We were lucky enough to sit outside and order a few beers (Benny's serves beer) plus the 28 inch pie between 5 of us. A giant of a thing, it's a pizza masterpiece! One slice requires two plates to hold it!

A great day with great company! If you haven't tried Benny's you definitely have to at least once. Order your slice well done if you don't like your pizza slightly undercooked. You'll be glad you tried it!

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Hope you had a great weekend! Back to work in a few hours!

What's your favorite slice in Hoboken?? Let me know!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Great tip when house hunting for Hoboken real estate or where ever!

Hi buyers and renters alike! Here is a great tip for you to help you estimate expenses when purchasing a home or renting an apartment. Creating an expense sheet in advance will help avoid surprises in the future. Here's your angel tip.

Currently I'm working with a buyer who is looking to make his first offer on a place and he is doing his homework. Ever ask a realtor what utilities will run you and they look at you blankly and try to guesstimate? There is a way that you can check for yourself. Or, like I'm doing, I'm on hold right now getting the information for him.

Call PSE&G if they're the provider and tell them that you are looking to purchase or rent the unit you're calling about. Give them the full address and unit number and ask for a yearly avg of utility costs, if you ask nicely they are happy to help.
Be prepared!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hoboken clothing boutique is have a summer sale!

Just in time for the holiday weekend! Bella Ro in Hoboken is having a sale tomorrow night with Sangria's and discounts for everyone!

Thursday from 6pm - 10pm enjoy complimentary sangria! 
PLUS 10% any purchase of $50 or more
15% any purchase of $100
20% any purchase of $200

So grab a friend and shop the newest styles! 

Bella Ro is located at 521 Washington Street Hoboken.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Stimulus for first time buyers might get better!?


Some great information slipped during an announcement that seemed premature regarding the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers! Apparently the housing administration said that they plan on coming up with a way to allow first time buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit up front as a down payment and not wait for it to come back to them the following year as a return from their taxes.

This would be terrific! Keep your ears open for any update from the administration as to the logistics on how they would make this work. It's good to be hopeful! I'll post back when I find out more. Till then happy house hunting!

Beautiful Hoboken Apt Hosts Open House Tonight!

Yes! Tonight you can come by and view this apt for rent. Open House tonight from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Check out blog entry 'Hoboken apt in great downtown location' for details! Or visit this link to a postlet ad! Hope to see you there!
Any questions please don't hesitate to reach me. Send me an email and I'll respond quickly!

This apt can be rented short term furnished or for 1 year unfurnished. July 1 move in date.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Crumbs Hoboken Is Open! Hoboken just got sweeter

Hoboken Just Got Sweeter!
For me, cupcakes are perfect slices of
heaven!! There is almost nothing better than
a beautiful delicious cupcake!


Most of you probably know by now but Crumbs bake shop in Hoboken is finally open! They are located on 4th and Washington - near Ben and Jerry's - TROUBLE!


I didn't know what Crumbs was, I knew it was some kind of bakery and when I saw the doors were open my bf and I pulled over one night after dinner - a Hoboken double parking jammy - and ran in to try something.

After literally drooling over the many cupcake choices they had (some which looked like a 6 year old baked them!!), although no red velvet- my absolute favorite cupcake of all time, we decided to try the Oreo Cookie cupcake which the lady behind the counter said it was better than the death by chocolate one we asked her about.

Anyway - the cupcake was HUGE and was $3.75 for one, and since my bf is on a faux diet, we shared one. The Oreo cookie cream was sooooo delicious and creamy! It was the best part of the cupcake for sure. The bottom of the chocolate cake was very good and pretty moist but the cream was the show stopper.

At the counter we noticed they had these beautiful little assorted tray's of miniature cupcakes - but at $18.00 a box we decided to pass...


I will be going back to try and get a bite of the Red Velvet, which to me really says how good this bakery is. And I can not lie, Carlo's Bakery still holds my heart. I absolutely love their assortment of beautiful cupcakes that look like little art pieces!

Enjoy all you sweet lovers!

Crumbs Hoboken is on 409 Washington.

Have you tried Crumbs? What did you think!? Send me your reviews!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Beautiful new studio rental in the heart of Hoboken!

Another fabulous friend of mine is renting her beautifully renovated condo! Ladies, if you're looking for a 1 bedroom in Hoboken - consider not renting a dull 1 bedroom with a 60's kitchen and narrow living room and zero closet space. Instead keep your mind open and rent this beauty!!

This studio is located on 7th and Washington just steps to everything! It is super spacious and offers a sleeping loft with queen size bed and skylight. A short walk to PATH and you can shop and run errands on your way home from anywhere. It's a top floor apt located in the rear of the building so it's super quiet. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves! It's available July 1st - can be rented fully furnished for $1950 or unfurnished for $1600. Contact me if interested! You'll love coming home.
Kim sanded and refinished the cabinets and stained them a rich chocolate color plus added a beautiful tile back splash and tile floor, new fixtures and a black granite counter top with gold flecks.
She also updated the bath, added a new vanity and sink plus upgraded the tile work. Just out side of this bath is a huge walk in closet and a linen closet!


There is a lovely terrace that over looks private gardens from the buildings on Washington and the brownstones on Hudson. It' s very serene. And the apt gets great light with another large skylight.

Beuatiful hardwood floors and an original brick wood burning fireplace plus two other huge closets in the living room! This is better than any one bedroom you could rent in Hoboken in this price range. If you're interested call me for a private appt.

Great sales! Just take the Path out of Hoboken to NYC

One of the great things about Hoboken is the accessibility to NYC. Just a short PATH ride, Ferry ride or bus ride and you are in NYC in under 20 minutes.. These last few days have been a wash! And when life throws rain at you make the best of it and shop! My fabulous Daily Candy never lets me down! Here are this weeks great sale deals! Take notes!


Delman Shoes - Flats from sandals to ballet slipers are all priced from $89 - $109
May 6 - 8 10am - 7pm and Friday 10am - 3pm

145 W. 18th Street btwn 6th and 7th Ave 212.388.0339


Rebecca Minkoff - Clothing up to 70% off

May 6 - 10th Wed - Sun 10am - 8pm

33 W. 17th Street btwn 5th and 6th Ave


Lafco And Guhran - Jewels and toiletries at up to 75% off wholesale

May 7th and 8th Thurs noon - 5pm Fri 10am - 5pm

161 6th Ave btwn Spring and Vandam Strts


Twinkle by Wenlan - Flirty frocks for $90, tops for $70, cashmere for $50

May 7th and 8th Thurs 11am - 8pm Fri 10am - 6pm

545 West Ave between 37th and 38th Streets 17th Floor


Loeffler Randall - Snap flat boots for $375, metallic T-strap sandals for $125, epaulet tops for $78

May 7-9. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m Sat 11am - 6pm

525 Broadway at Spring St, 2nd floor


Botkier - Leather James tote was $650, now $275 Bianca med satchel was $450, now $100 Elena platform sandal was $445, now $195. Take mom and get an extra 10 percent off

May 7-10. Thurs., noon-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

172 Mercer at Houston St


J Rosen Showroom - Swimsuits start at $65, cover ups start at $30, flip flops start at $10

May 5 - 22nd Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm

250 W 39th St btwn 7th and 8th Ave Suite 510 CASH ONLY 212.221.2349


Fred Perry - Polos, track jackets and foot wear all for $40

May 11th - 17th Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm Sat & Sun noon - 5pm

547 W 27th St btwn 10th and 11th Ave


HAPPY SHOPPING!