Selling New Jersey

By Liana Grey

When Jodi Stasse furnishes model units at condo complexes across New Jersey, she follows a single rule: reflect the tastes of the average buyer, not the style of the building or the brand behind it.

“People associate Trump with chandeliers,” said Stasse, whose boutique agency, Stasse and Company, began marketing Trump Plaza Residences, the tallest residential building in downtown Jersey City, two years ago.

But rather than play up the company’s trademark glamour, she went with a West Elm look that wouldn’t intimidate the building’s 32-year-old buyers, many of whom are former renters from the area. “All we did was enhance what was in place, and add a more hip feel,” Stasse said.

As a result, the building’s 445 units are flying off the market. “There are less than 100 homes left. “It’s sad,” she joked. “I’m going to find myself out of a job.”

At CANCO Lofts, a condo complex across town in Journal Square, Stasse revised the work of a previous sales director, who had filled the model units with sleek, ultramodern pieces.

The industrial chic decor was a natural choice for the converted factory, which produced the country’s first tab-topped beer cans, but didn’t appeal to the average house hunter that stopped by. “Believe it or not, it’s the Crate & Barrel person,” Stasse said.

Though the 550-unit complex is home to several artsy types, including a roller coaster designer and a woman that makes vegan handbags, the majority commute to jobs in the Financial District or office parks elsewhere in New Jersey. Further pointing to an affinity with suburbia, 40% of residents own cars.

So Stasse handpicked homey pieces like plush beige couches and silver candlesticks, and rolled them in on a dolly cart. And she transformed the sales office into a museum-like space, with a map highlighting metro area attractions and their distance from the property. The Statue of Liberty, for instance, is only five miles away, and the Empire State Building is six miles to the west.

“Once you get to CANCO you can’t really see where you are,” Stasse said. Even longtime Garden State residents find themselves spun around, unfamiliar with the building’s remote location near the elevated Pulaski Skyway, about 10 blocks northwest of the Journal Square PATH station.

“One of our biggest challenges is getting people to see us,” Stasse said. There are some signs of life in the neighborhood: a gourmet Zeytuna market moved into a ground-floor retail space at the property, and a beer garden and 100,000 s/f arts center opened in vacant factories nearby.

Kerala Backwaters And Its Five Star Hotels - New Jersey Discount ...

The mystical state of Kerala is a geographical state in the wonder that is called India. The tropical paradise fringed with palm trees on sandy beaches and clear water reflecting the hue of the blue sky has attracted people from all around the world. Diverse ecology and natural beauty, which is specific to the peninsular state has managed to attract people from all round the world. Being acclaimed by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine as one of the ten paradises in the world, it is a sought after destination.

The state sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, with elevated cliffs and spice plantations is a delight. However, the real emerald in the crown is the backwaters; nothing quainter has ever kissed the earth. It is a perfect getaway for a quiet holiday in the serene and lush surroundings of Kerala. The state banks upon tourism, service providers in the hospitality industry have gone an extra mile to carve a niche for them. Apart from the picturesque backwaters, God’s Own Country can also boast of a rich cultural heritage, Hindu temples, charming cathedrals along with rich flora and fauna. Eco tourism initiative, special Ayurvedic Massages, world-class tourist sporting options makes holidaying in Kerala a satiating experience.

Hotels in Kerala offer true South India hospitality enveloped in state of art amenities. One can be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options. Staying in the backwater can be a fascinating experience; one of a kind is the savoir- faire of a tarriance in the alfresco. Houseboats offer perfect bliss when it comes to finding an accommodation option in the backwaters. With the passage of time, houseboats have changed too and are now equipped with contemporary amenities and access to technology along with avenues of entertainment. If one is on an alienation spree and wants to escape from the hurly, and burly of life, Venice of the East is all set to proffer enchanting options.

Quite a few travelers have chosen Kerala as the idle romantic getaway and it is perfect to surrender to the lap of nature. There are numerous 5 Star hotels in Kerala backwaters, that offer travelers a melange of time-honored Indian hospitality and luxury. The serenity of nature in proximity with dining and entertainment avenues of international standards is every vacationers dream. They also offer a delightful gastronomic experience and one can choose from a range of South Indian delicacies as well as opt for fares from different corners of the world. Travelers availing the services of the Cochin airport can opt for the backwaters easily. Five Star Hotels near Cochin airport are also renowned for their services and proffer guests with a memorable experience. Choose a holiday to the Kerala backwaters and get the feel of Venice in the Indian sub-continent and the five star hotels in Kerala Backwaters are all set to offer an one of a kind experience.

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