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Coldwell Banker Realty
Marsha Bowen Washington is a full-time licensed realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty, providing real estate services across Northern and parts of Central New Jersey. She combines over 15 years of real estate experience with her expertise in sales and marketing to comprehensively assist first-time home buyers, home sellers, and investors seeking homes. Marsha is a consistent top performing agent in her Livingston, New Jersey office; she was awarded the NJAR Circle of Excellence Sales Award from 2013 thru 2023, won the Five Star Real Estate Professional Award from 2013 to 2024, and was recognized as a Top Morris & Essex County Real Estate Agent by Health & Life Magazine from 2019 through 2024.
HAVEN sat down with Marsha to learn more about her real estate career and her insights on the New Jersey housing market.
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HAVEN: What inspired you to become a realtor, and what are the priorities and values that guide you in your work?
Marsha: Transitioning to real estate after a turbulent job loss during the market crash, my inspiration stemmed from a stressful condo purchase when I purchased my first home and my strong interest in investing in real estate. Since then, I’ve embraced the challenges, turning adversity into opportunity.
My foremost priorities center on delivering exceptional customer service and prioritizing education. I view each client’s home purchase as potentially their most significant lifetime investment. My mission involves ensuring that clients are not just buyers but well-informed decision-makers. Buying a home is a complex process, and I am committed to guiding them through every step. I believe that by providing education, I empower clients to make informed choices aligned with their needs and financial goals. Superior customer service, coupled with a commitment to educating clients, is my approach. In an intricate real estate landscape, I am committed and dedicated to building lasting relationships and to facilitate successful, satisfying real estate experiences for my clients.
HAVEN: As we start 2024, where do you predict New Jersey’s housing market is heading?
Marsha: I foresee a positive or stable path for the New Jersey housing market compared to last year. The influence of interest rates significantly affects both buyers and sellers. The interplay between interest rates and the continued success of specific geographic areas underscores the importance of staying on top of today’s market trends to help facilitate successful transactions.
HAVEN: Also, which cities or neighborhoods do you foresee becoming particularly active markets?
Marsha: Notably, urban and suburban communities with NJT trains and buses to NYC in Essex, Union, and Morris Counties have demonstrated resilience, consistently performing well amidst a challenging housing market with minimal housing inventory. Keeping an eye on these factors helps me navigate the nuances of the real estate landscape, and allows me to provide informed guidance to clients.
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HAVEN: What sets New Jersey apart as a great place to live?
Marsha: New Jersey’s allure lies in its sense of community, and diverse neighborhoods that contribute to a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, which makes the state a great place to live. Its close proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, NJ residents enjoy cultural richness and employment opportunities. The state has beautiful landscapes, from picturesque shorelines to spacious rural countrysides. New Jersey’s education system is renowned, for providing excellent options from primary to higher education. The Garden State embraces a rich history, reflected in its charming towns, rural landscapes, and historic sites. The robust transportation network enhances connectivity and convenient travel throughout the state. Overall, New Jersey stands out as a dynamic and a multi-faceted haven for those seeking a high quality of life.
HAVEN: What advice do you have for someone planning to buy or sell a home in New Jersey this year?
Marsha: For prospective buyers in New Jersey this year, my advice is not to attempt timing the market with interest rates and home prices. If you’re prepared and financially ready, any time is suitable to purchase a home. For sellers, careful consideration of the current market dynamics is essential. While we’ve seen years of a seller’s market, assessing the pros and cons is crucial. As inventory levels potentially increase, the prevailing seller’s market might shift. Strategizing based on the current conditions and staying adaptable ensures both buyers and sellers can navigate the real estate landscape effectively in New Jersey this year.
Interested in learning more? Contact Marsha or explore her websites:
Websites: www.buyandsellnjluxuryhomes.
Email: Marsha.Bowenwashington@
Phone: (646) 249-6212 (mobile), (973) 994-4323 (brokerage)
Coldwell Banker Realty office: 2 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ, 07039
