2009

 Two River Times, 6/5-6/12

180 Turning Lives Around

Seeking Winter Pajamas

Rumson: Women’s shelter 180 Turning Lives Around will be picking up accumulated winter pajamas collected by Resources Real Estate in the coming weeks.

            The collection effort has been ongoing since January 1 for women and children who often flee their homes without any of their personal belongings or supplies.

            Having collected too much for the non-profit agency to store at their facilities, Resources Real Estate owner Carolynn Diakon has been providing storage in her own home, saying the clothing is picked up as needed.

            “The entire collection is sorted by size, season, and gender (for children). The agency can, essentially, go shopping from the storage area as families arrive without a possession to their name,” said Diakon.

            Constantly seeking replenishments, donations can be dropped off during business hours at the Resources Real Estate offices located at 112 East River Road, here.

            Diakon said, “We all think of helping people around the Christmas holiday, but sometimes forget as the year wears on. By collecting in January, we hope that people will take advantage of the January sales and buy a pair of pajamas for a child that was forced to leave their home with very little.”

 2008

Rumson, NJ (December, 2008)– Resources Real Estate announces that they will be collecting non-perishable goods for the FoodBank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties beginning Jan. 1 at their River Road location as part of their ongoing community outreach program, Sharing Resources.

After learning of the increasing food shortage in the area, Resources owner Carolynn Diakon selected the food bank as one of the real estate agencies many charitable organizations.  In lieu of Christmas gifts for her agents and staff members, Diakon made individual, monetary donations in each of their names and announced the food drive to kickoff the agencies 2009 contribution season.

Diakon said, “Because we live in an area of great opportunity and abundance, it has never been more opportune to recognize our good fortunes and reach out a helping hand to those in need.”  She added, “Now, more than ever, the current fiscal crisis has awakened people to understand that – even though they might be experiencing some concern – there are always others who have much greater problems than we could ever imagine.”

Resources Real Estate will be collecting boxes of pasta, canned soups, and other nonperishable pantry items until further notice.  Donors can drop off Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Carolynn Ozar - Diakon opened Resources Real Estate, a full service real estate company in 2000.  She is totally committed to personally hand picking her agents and training them herself.  With 21 years of real estate experience, Carolynn maintains an outstanding reputation of leadership and knowledge for her team of agents.

Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Road in Rumson, NJ.  For more local real estate info you can call 732-212-0440.  You can also hear real estate trends and tips on www.resourcesrealestate.com. 

The Monmouth Journal October 3, 2008

"Moving Forward in this shaky economy":

As market experts, economists, and political pundits weigh in with their opinion of the bail out and other assorted plans to move forward, I can only hope whatever path chosen is laced with common sense.

Any fool should known that prices do not go up forever and that interest rates do not come down indefinitely. The real estate market is not a ball—it does not “bounce back” or plunge in a matter of days. It quietly and reliably cycles up around and down again and so on. In fact it is always in the process of one or the other. It is probably the best and most consistent long term investment strategy there is. I am not a stock market investor, I am a real estate investor, and I can tell you with certainty that I am looking to buy. I am making offers and buying what I can that meets my criteria.

I have never been an investor in the stock market, mainly because I do not understand it will enough and my expertise and interest has always been in real estate. Sometimes, I have felt a little dumb not being a savvy stock market player, but in the last few days- I have been feeling pretty smart!

I have been a broker for over 20 years and managed an office during the tough times of the late 80s, I have seen this happen before. I have some advice for both sellers and potential buyers.

To sellers: We have been cycling down since the second have of 2005, and yet many sellers have been valiantly trying to achieve 04 and 05 pricing. It is not going to happen, it was not going to happen last week and it sure is not going to happen next week. If your agent has not been firmly telling you what to do…and is in the yes-ing you to death business: Get a new agent. Now is not the time for the weak. Tough times call for tough agents.

Conversely, if you have a tough agent, you are receiving ongoing communication and you know that truthfully there is nothing that the agent is not doing…don’t jump ship from one agency to another. Sit down with your agent and the broker and discuss options and ideas. Frankly, agencies spend a lot of money on marketing a property and jumping ship—if you are not following their advice—it is definitely not going to help. If the price is not right, it will not be right with another agency. If the house does not show well, it will not show well with another agency. Same thing with showing…now is not the time to be coy; buyers are in shorter supply they have more to look at. Make sure you can get them in your property without any obstacles. Such as, “try back tomorrow, 24 hr notice, pick up key from office” etc. Get as showing friendly as possible. Is it inconvenient? YEP. It is a necessary inconvenience if you want to sell your house. Your tough agent should be telling you that.

To Buyers: Don’t overlook this opportunity that is on our hands: low interest and lowering prices. Don’t try to calculate the bottom, it could be tomorrow—it could be 6 months from now. Whenever it is, it will be irrelevant if the interest rates have gone up! I have noticed that the Fed did not lower interest rates as a response to the financial news this week. The Fed will not lower them forever. In fact, during previous recessions the interest rates have gone up. Use this time to make great deals, like the investors are. Just remember that on the whole—real estate is a long term investment, and when it is also a short-term investment—that’s a beautiful thing. Don’t buy above your means, don’t borrow based on tomorrow’s pay check. There is more to choose from today than in previous years, and there ARE lenders that are willing to lend money. Not every bank forgot the common sense practice of making smart loans to qualified buyers.

In summary, whether a buyer or a seller, be smart, use some common sense and a tough agent who will negotiate on your behalf. Now is not the time for timidity, and is definitely not the time for inexperience or less than a full time commitment from your real estate professional.

Carolynn Ozar-Diakon, Broker/Owner, RESOURCES Real Estate 732-212-0440, Carolynn@resourcesrealestate.com

The Monmouth Journal September 5, 2008

NOT ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS:

Just heard on the 6pm news that the cute dolphins entertaining us from the river banks of Rumson and Middletown in the Navesink river - are in fact,not dolphins but more likely bull sharks. Huh? Now that must come as a surprise to all those that went out on boats, including kayaks and canoes to get up close and personal with the dolphins!!  My family took the "Resourceful" out to watch them cavort, and oohed and ahhed with the best of them.

It made me think a little about the local real estate market, (well lets face it, I am always thinking about the real estate market) and I saw a mini parallel. How you ask?

Well, it seems to me that buyers right now do not realize they are behaving like dolphins when they could be bull sharks. Not that I know much about bull sharks, but they just sound more assertive. In a buyer's market, buyers make low offers and pretty much have plenty to choose from. This buyer's market is not working that way. Many prospective buyers are sitting and waiting - rather than taking action,making offers and see what comes back.The opportunities are out there to be eaten up. Motivated sellers, low interest rates. Sounds like the perfect feeding ground. However right now, many buyers' appear  to be acting more like cute dolphins than like sharks of any description. I don't think there are any sharks that take a wait and see approach, especially not bull sharks, unless there are bear sharks?!

Is it the constant media bashing that the real estate market got in the last few years that makes us view a home as purely a financial investment and pressures us to buy right at the bottom? When is right at the bottom? I have been a realtor for over 20 years and to date nobody has ever been able to predict the date of the absolute peak or the absolute bottom. What is known, is that real estate has perpetually cycled, always on the down or the up cycle. Historically it always cycles back up higher than it was before. Some real estate analysts are saying that the end of the downward cycle is close.

As it is impossible to perfectly time the market the average person buying or selling will gain on one end of the transaction to offset the other. Which is important to remember that generally it balances out. Although it is weighted on the side of the upward buyer. Speculators and investors with a shorter horizon are acting now, which is another indicator that now is the time to act. I have been making offers on investment properties recently, some I won some I lost. Real Estate is obviously a large part of my portfolio and especially my retirement, although those that know me, find it hard to believe that I would ever retire!!

There have been other indicators recently that the market is about to start its upswing. On a national level, existing home sales rose 15% in recent months, new home sales were also up 4.5%. Consumer confidence up 5 points in August over July.

Affluent homeowners increasingly are bullish about future real estate values. “Key findings from the annual survey of the ‘luxury’ market demonstrate that the typical million-dollar homeowner is invested not only in the value of their home as a current part of their portfolios, but also see long-term gains coming from this investment,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The survey polled 305 U.S. homes with a primary residence valued at $1 million ($2 million in California) or more and who had investable assets of more than $1 million. The average annual household income of this group was $754,000.

Jim Weichert was also quoted recently stating that "We have reached the bottom of the housing market and will soon begin to see improvements, by and large we are turning a corner. You might be guessing, but we are sure. Now is the time to buy real estate."
I think Jim is right, the Summer is always slow except for closings of properties sold in the Spring. Buyers, sellers and the realtors are focused on the beach and vacations. Once mid September rolls around I believe we will see a positive upswing.
Speaking of other agencies. At a dinner party recently, one guest was surprised to hear me say something positive about another agent, his assumption being that we are all sworn enemies. Nothing could be further from the truth, we all work in cooperation with each other, and I treat my fellow realtors with respect and I get treated the same way. In fact, I have made a point in getting along with other realtors in my career, it can only help my clients. I want the the other realtors out there to want to work with me rather than shudder at the thought. I can be firm and resolute in my representation to my clients without being rude and obnoxious. Now of course there are some out there like that, and we all know who they are! As an educated consumer one of the things to research when choosing a realtor is to find out how they are perceived in the industry. It could make or break a sale.

So lets all get bullish about real estate, there are future capital gains to be had at shark prices right now. If you are interested in statistics about any other town  not shown here , please email.

In other news, I am looking for a few good men (or women). I have invested so heavily in websites in the last few years that I have an over abundance of qualified prospects coming in every day. I only hire a select few, but I am looking to expand right now, so if you want to know more about coming a professional real estate agent. Please call or email.

Carolynn Ozar-Diakon, Broker-Owner, RESOURCES Real Estate 732-212-0440 www.resourcesrealestate.com.

RESOURCES REAL ESTATE COLLECTS

PAJAMAS FOR LOCAL SHELTER

          Resources Real Estate collected new pajamas for women and children, supporting the women’s shelter 180 Turning Lives Around as part of their community outreach program, Sharing Resources. Because women and children often flee their homes without any of their personal belongings or supplies, Carolynn Diakon, owner of Resources Real Estate, believes pajamas would not only bring a much needed necessity to the shelter, but also needed comfort for the women who reside there.

            Diakon says, “We take for granted the daily necessities such as sleepwear and toiletries. Something simple like a pair of pajamas for a child, who was forced to leave their home, means so much more to those who have so very little.”

            Nicole Romaine, Development Director at 180 Turning Lives Around in Hazlet, was on hand at the offices of Resources Real Estate on River Road in Rumson to receive the countless pairs of pajamas, slippers, and sleepwear for the shelter.

            Because of the limited storage facilities at the shelter and the offices of 180 Turning Lives Around, Diakon has offered to store the surplus in her home to be distributed and collected on a need basis. This generous offer, Romaine hopes, will help keep the pajama collection ongoing and the Shelter in the forefront of donors’ minds when they make purchases throughout the year.

            180 Turning Lives Around, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the community.  They are committed to providing support during crisis and long term counseling, advocacy, education, and prevention, as well as outreach.

            Carolynn Ozar-Diakon opened Resources Real Estate, a full service real estate company in 2000. She is totally committed to personally hand picking her agents and training them herself. With 21 years of real estate experience, Carolynn maintains an outstanding reputation of leadership and knowledge for her team of agents.

              Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Road in Rumson, NJ. For more local real estate info you can call (732) 212-0440. You can also hear real estate trends and tips on www.resourcesrealestate.com

2007

RUMSON GROUP SEEKS TO GROW

The Rumson Business Association has been started up again and is seeking new members. A prospective member must be sponsored by an existing associate and enrollment is my invitation only.

Carolynn Diakon, owner of Resources Real Estate, Rumson, is the membership chairwoman. For information on joining the group, contact Judy Rose at (732) 741-7777.

www.sbwire.com

Local Realtor Promotes Preservation with Gratitude

Posted: Monday, October 08, 2007

Business owner takes the time to say 'thank you'

Rumson, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/08/2007 -- “The Pool area reminds me of something written by F. Scott Fitzgerald…it’s like walking through the garden of The Great Gatsby.” This was only one of many sentiments heard while sipping Margaritas beneath the twinkling, lighted trees at the home of Carolynn Diakon, local entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Owning one of the area’s leading Real Estate firms, Diakon’s late summer event was attended by local business associates, clients and friends in an effort not only to thank those she’s worked with for years of loyal service, but also to promote the restoration of the historic area in which she is both resident and professional.

“We wanted to do something special for the local community…some way of thanking all the clients we’ve worked with through the years as well as our dedicated colleagues.” said Diakon. Despite the reported slowdown of the real estate market, Diakon claims that Resources Real Estate has had much to celebrate, “Our sales are up 7% from this time last year with many area offices down as much as 50%.” Such strong growth in production and sales, according to Diakon, is reason enough to give back.

The cocktail affair, attended by nearly 300 people, was held in the gardens of her Rumson home which is graced with a fully restored pool house as well as carriage house. As a board member of the Historical Association of Monmouth County, Diakon has a passion for conservation and restoration of older, historic homes. With the current trend in new construction, the cocktail party was also a perfect opportunity to show prospective buyers “what they can achieve through restoration”, said Diakon in lieu of overdevelopment of such a historic area.

Throughout the night, guests danced under the stars and dined on elegant food catered by Linda Walton. What impressed many of the partygoers, however, was the impressive backdrop of the 1870’s home that she began restoring in 2003. “As a realtor, I’m in homes every day and can recognize a gem when I see one…this was a diamond in the rough.” Many people who ask questions regarding the renovation, according to Diakon, are in disbelief when they hear of her involvement in the project.

It is with that perseverance and work ethic that keeps Resources Real Estate at the pinnacle in business and Diakon at the forefront in the community. “Having a certain level of success in life,” states Diakon, “it’s very important to be able to reach out to others and say ‘thank you’.”

Carolynn Diakon opened Resources Real Estate, a full service real estate company in 2000. She is totally committed to personally hand picking her agents and training them herself. With 21 years of real estate experience, Carolynn maintains an outstanding reputation of leadership and knowledge for her team of agents.

Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Road in Rumson, NJ. For more local real estate info you can call 732-212-0440. You can also hear real estate trends and tips on http://www.housebuzz.com.

THE HUB 10/4/07

Resources Real Estate, located on River Road in Rumson, is sponsoring and taking part in an innovative and cooperative new advertising campaign. In an effort to offer local businesses cross promotion and publicity, the agency is providing up to 10 complimentary flat screen televisions to be installed in local businesses. The devices will be programmend to run a slideshow of advertisments providing no less that five minutes of "air time" to each participating business during the presentation. Carolynn Diakon, owner of Resources Real Estate, will provide all equipment and installation necessary for the sponorship. All that is required, according to Diakon, is a signed agreement of participation. Currently there are four establishments taking part in this promotion: The Cellar in Fair Haven; Sea Bright Pizza in Sea Bright; New Outlook Salon of Fair Haven; and Resources Real Esate in Rumson.  If you would like to take part in this unique cross promotion, contact Diakon at (732) 212-0440.

October 2007 - Inman News

http://www.stewart.com/news.jsp?newsId=29739

Carolynn Ozar-Diakon, broker-owner for Resources Real Estate in Rumson, N.J., said the key to avoiding failed transactions is in offering a higher level of professionalism. "If there were not such an influx in part-time and hobby Realtors then there would be less failures," she said. "Sometimes even the best Realtor cannot save a transaction with a novice who does not want to learn on the other side. Negotiating an hourly rate, in the event the transaction does not close, would be somewhat of a remedy, although it opens the door for an expectation of paying hourly rates rather than a percentage in all transactions."

The biggest cost "and largest waste of money" for real estate professionals is for advertising, she said. "Seller's expect it, although it does next to nothing to sell a home. The broker overhead is high with advertising and insurance costs."

A prominent deal-killer in a slowing market is sellers' refusal to accept a changing market, Ozar-Diakon said, and buyers "tend to make a fuss over more things and also the little things in a slower market." Sometimes buyers get the feeling that they are overpaying for a property, "especially as the media is constantly pushing the bubble concept," she said.

Successful agents are the ones who do not give up on a transaction, she said. "There is usually a compromise that will fix the situation. The measure of an agent and a great agent is the number of closings, not sales."

The Monmouth Journal June 15th 2007

Rumson Centennial

Rumson realtor Carolynn Diakon of Resources Real Estate said, “I think it’s a wonderful example of Rumson coming together and celebrating what a wonderful area we live in.” She added, “I can’t think of a better place to work, or to raise a family, than in Rumson.”

THE HUB & THE ATLANTICVILLE

February 15th 2007

RESOURCES REAL ESTATE TO BE PROFILED AS AN OUTSTANDING BUSINESS.

Resources Real Estate has been chosen by Close Up TV news as an outstanding business. They will appear on Close Up on America's Business - Showcase News Magazine Show. The television broad cast company is PAX Communications Corp, which owns and operates the largest broadcast television group in the United States as measured by the number of television households in the markets their stations serve.

Resources Real Estate is a full service company located in Rumson. The company was started by Carolynn Ozar-Diakon in 2000. She is a 21 veteran of the real estate business. She started her career in a large agency and was quickly a top producer. She now owns and operates Resources Real Estate, a small agency with 19 agents that she hand picks and trains herself. Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Rd, Rumson. For more information call (732) 212 -0440 or visit www.housebuzz.com

THE HUB & THE ATLANTICVILLE February 2007

RESOURCES REAL ESTATE RANKS IN TOP 7% OF MONMOUTH COUNTY REAL ESTATE

Resources Real Estate, Rumson has been ranked in the top 7% of monmouth County Realtors for sales volume in 2006. The comapny was ranked 37 out of 524 offices in the county.

Thuis is an outstanding accomplishment for Carolynn Ozar-Diakon and her agents. "Many of the offices in Monmouth County have 50-80 agents. "We have 19 agents here and we still did the same volume and more than some of these larger offices." says Diakon.

Carolynn opened Resources Real Estate,a full service real estate company in 2000. She is totally commited to personally hand pick her agents and train them herself. With 21 years of real estate service, Carolynn maintains an outstanding reputation of leadership adn knowledge for her team of agents.

Resources Real Estate is located at 112 East River Rd, Rumson. For more local real estate information you can call 732-212-0440 or visit www.housebuzz.com

2006

RUMSON JOURNAL December 2006

CAROLYNN DIAKON FROM RESOURCES REAL ESTATE DONATES ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FRIENDS OF THE MONMOUTH COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER.

THE MONMOUTH JOURNAL October 2006

PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST

Carolynn Diakon, Grace Hanlon, Dr Dennis Embry and Mary Pat Angelini, at the Prevention First Parents' Councel inaugural event last week. Hosted by Diakon at her home in Rumson, a group of nearly 50 local parents listened to nationally recognized child developement expert, Dr Embry speak about school violence, conflict resolutuion and aggression in young children. Carolynn Diakon and Grace Hanlon serve as members of the Board of Directors of Prevention First and as co-chairs of the Parent's Council, a new program to give parents access to discuss issues in an informal environment.

THE RUMSON JOURNAL September 2006

LOCAL REALTOR LOVINGLY RESTORES HISTORIC RUMSON HOME.

Turn onto Belknap Lane off Ridge Rd, and it is like stepping back into time. Large estates and carriage houses are scattered on either side of a quiet, narrow country lane. This historic charm and the almost neglected feel of the grand yellow and white house in the 1870's was what originally appealed to Carolynn Diakon, and what spurred her to purchase the property with her husband Bob. The abundance of windows and the brick walkways meandering through the one acre lot reminder her of the garden pathways in her childhoom home in England. It didn't hurt that it was just around the corner from her office. Diakon is also the owner of of Resources Real Estate in Rumson, which she started in 2000 in a small space over Angelica's restaurant in Sea Bright.

When her family first moved into the house, none of the five bathrooms totally worked - that is, each had just one working component, so you can imagine the inconvenience. There were four major roof leaks, and as a result, the interior was run down, moldy, and the wallpaper was peeling in many places. A very small kitchen in the back of the house was crying out for updating and expansion. An adjacent eating area had extensive water damage in the old ceiling, with beams that looked charred as a result. It would have been much easier to just raze the house and start fresh, but Diakon could not bear that idea. "There was so much potential" says Diakon "and I knew I could create something marvelous from it."

Diakon is the general contractor and designer for the renovation of her home, and she works hands on. Her first action was to take one entire month from her business to work with fifteen men for thirty days to make the house habitable. At one point, when her husband was on a business trip, Diakon started peeling the aluminum siding off the exterior and found the original clapboard and shingle underneath, which she started to restore. "I start projects, and Bob is forced to go along with me to help finish them," laughs Diakon. With a refurbished roof and repainted clapboard and shingles, the owner has turned her attention to interior restoration.

Having grown up in a large old stone house in England that often felt damp and cold, Diakon was determined to create a home full of warmth and charm, and a haven for her children. As a start, she refurbished all six fireplaces in the mansion, and converted the master bedroom fireplace to gas. " I have great memories of my childhood watching the flickering of a coal fire as I fell asleep, and I wanted to recreate that feeling," says Diakon

She decorates in keeping with the charming Victorian syle of the home. A beautiful sunroom is encased in French doors from floor to ceiling and furnished in lovely floral patterns. Talk to Carolynn for a few minutes and you will find there are stories to be told about each piece. The clock in the sitting room once graced the walls of a chocolate factory in Brooklyn. "I prefer things with a life and a history," In a town with so many historic homes, and a"throw-away" society, it is indeed refreshing to see a loving restoration instead of a knockdown.

THE HUB July 27th 2006

Kathy Magrino

TWO RIVER REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CHANGING BUT THE AREA REMAINS DESIRABLE.

Similar to other real estate markets across the nation, the Two River area real estate market is changing according to local professionals. Several factors are affecting and causing these changes. The rising mortgage interest rates and an increasing number of homes for sale in the area are among the causes for the recent changes.

The market is changing, but the Two River area still remains desirable. The changing real estate market simply means that buyers and sellers need to take a different approach to buying or selling their homes.

Sellers are acknowledging the need to be more patient in today's real estate market, and some sellers are reducing the asking prices of their homes. Carolynn Ozar-Diakon, broker/owner of Resources Real Estate in Rumson says, "Prices (of homes for sale) have adjusted to counteract the higher supply".

Yes the Two River area is a very desirable place to live. Nestled along the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers (the two rivers that give the area its name) and bordered by the Atlantic ocean to the east and the bustling town of Red Bank to the west the Two River area is a wonderful place to call home.

Ozar Diakon says "The area that we live in is just so beautiful - (with its) rivers, beaches, horse pastures and the small towns. Yet, it is so convenient to Manhattan, and we have great schools".

Where is the Two River real estate market heading in the future? Only time will tell. But Ozar-Diakon says "I see a normal market in the future. I do not see the bubble (that others are talking about). What I do see is the return of creativity in both marketing and financing".

For a weekly update on what's happening in the local real estate market, listen to Carolynn Ozar-Diakon every Monday morning at 8.05am on local radio station 94.3FM - The Point. Ozar-Diakon can be reached at Resources Real Estate at (732) 212-0440 or visit www.housebuzz.com for additonal information.

Found on www.brianpasch.com

Brian Pasch - April 3, 2006

RESOURCES REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCES

NEW LEGACY HOMES DIVISION

            Rumson – Carolynn Ozar Diakon, broker and owner of Resources Real Estate, announces the creation of a new division dedicated to buyers and sellers of historic homes and other homes of special significance. She invited Thomas McCormack, a sales associate with Resources for over five years, to join her heading this new division, Legacy Homes.

            “We’ve always been committed to historic preservation and have special empathy for our clients who share our love of older homes,” said Diakon “especially as we live in an area so rich in history.” Diakon, herself, is a member of the board of Monmouth County Historical Association.

            Because of their combined successes with marketing and selling older homes, as well as a loyal following of current and past clients who are committed to preservation, creating a special division made sense to Diakon and McCormack, both of whom are proud old-house homeowners. In 2003, Diakon began restoration of a grand old Victorian on one of Rumson’s most coveted streets and McCormack is currently restoring a 1917 Craftsman style bungalow, know locally as the Creighton House.

            “We know that people who choose to live in a home from another era are looking for something special and are often willing to sacrifice more modern amenities to get it,” said McCormack who added that many would be pleasantly surprised by the updates some area historic homes feature. “Buying an historic home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a fixer-upper.”

            Whether their clients seek a manor home in the Sleep Hollow section of Middletown, a 200-year old farmhouse in Little Silver, or a Victorian guest house in the Highlands, Resources Real Estate represents many examples of fine older homes. Diakon and McCormack are aware that marketing an older property requires special care as does working with buyers who want an historic home. Familiarity with design, in addition to construction and environmental concerns are some of the key factors in purchasing historic homes. Others include relationships with engineers, contractors and the many specialists who will often play a role in the transaction.

            Historic homes recently sold by Resources include the 1871 Gladys Taylor House in Fair Haven, the 1920’s Tudor on Bingham Avenue in Rumson, the distinctive Queen Anne in Little Silver on Carriage House Lane, its sister house on Woodgate in Elberon, and the quintessential carriage house in Rumson The Bee House on Tennis Court Lane.

            Resources commitment to this Legacy division was evident when McCormack took a recent trip to California for Pasadena Heritage’s Craftsman Weekend in October.    “There is such a high level of commitment in Pasadena to protect, preserve and celebrate their architectural history,” said McCormack “and I was reminded of many of Monmouth County’s historic districts such as the Locust, Navesink and Monmouth Hills sections of Middletown, as well as Shrewsbury and Ocean Grove.” Diakon added that Atlantic Highlands is second only to Cape May in the state for frequency of Victorian architecture.

            The Legacy Homes division will also include homes of special significance that may not be classified as historic. Although less frequently found in the area, there are examples of mid-century modern and contemporary architecture that would also benefit from the new department’s special handling.

180 Turning Lives Around

 180 Turning Lives Around, an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, will be picking up accumulated winter pajamas collected by Resources Real Estate in the coming weeks.

The collection effort has been ongoing since January 1, 2008 for women and children who often flee their homes without any personal belongings or supplies.

Having collected too much for the non-profit agency to store at their facilities, Resources Real Estate owner Carolynn Diakon has been providing storage in her own home saying the clothing is picked up as needed.

“The entire collection is sorted by size, season, and gender (for children). The agency can, essentially, go shopping from the storage area as families arrive without a possession to their name,” said Diakon.

Constantly seeking replenishments, donations can be dropped off during business hours at the Resources Real Estate offices located at 112 East River Road in Rumson.