UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF OUR BUYERS & SELLERS IS WHAT DRIVES OUR BROKERAGE
Great relationships are the core of any successful real estate business. For us, real estate is more than just a business… it’s the business of people. Our company culture centers around a “people first” approach that has served our clients well for over 45 years. We view market stats and trends as the movement of people. We seek to learn where and why people are moving. We turn statistics and timely market information into strategic guidance for sellers and buyers, resulting in market analyses that have real meaning.
That is the LSR difference.
A few of our happy clients
BUYER’S AGENT? Why work with a
Working with a Buyer’s Agent offers many benefits. A Buyer’s Agent acts as your advocate throughout the home buying process and provides valuable services. These include:
• Offering important insights into neighborhoods and property values
• Providing expertise in navigating the local real estate markets
• Accessing exclusive listings
• Negotiating to get you the best deal
Here are some of the specific ways a Buyer’s Agent works for you:
LISTEN AND LEARN
A Buyer’s Agent takes the time to get to know you and understand your home buying priorities, timeline, and budget. Your Buyer’s Agent uses this information to streamline the process and find the best property matches for you.
EDUCATE
Your Buyer’s Agent is an expert on the local real estate market. They’ll explain:
• Local market conditions
• Days on market
• Home price statistics
• Pricing trends
• Supply and demand dynamics
• The local home buying process and timeline
• Property taxes
• Appraisal issues
Your Buyer’s Agent is also a local expert. They can help you understand important details about the towns and neighborhoods you’re considering, including:
• School information
• Commuting options
• Environmental considerations
• Zoning regulations
• Local sports and recreational programs
• Future development plans
• Medical facilities
• Dining and shopping spots
• Recommended home improvement professionals
Your Buyer’s Agent will work with you to identify suitable properties that meet your criteria and budget. In addition to showing you these properties, your Buyer’s Agent will:
• Point out features, benefits and potential negatives
• Inform you about the property’s sale history
• Advise you about the home’s mechanical systems
• Identify any material defects or issues in the
• seller’s disclosure
• Answer questions about the street, neighborhood, schools, proximity to town and commuting options
• Suggest potential improvements to the property
Only by working with a Buyer’s Agent are your interests truly represented in a real estate purchase.
STRATEGIZE/NEGOTIATE
Contract negotiations. A Buyer’s Agent will advise you on how to create the most attractive offer in the current marketplace and will employ key skills and strategies that lead to the best outcome. They will:
• Analyze the home’s market value given its location and condition and assess current comparable properties that have recently sold
• Explain contract contingencies and advise on their inclusion or waiver
• Communicate with the listing agent to discover seller motivation and the level of interest in the property in order to tailor an offer
• Inform you (when applicable) on how best to navigate multiple bid situations
• Recognize and manage emotions to maintain a constructive dialogue and prevent conflicts that could derail negotiations
• Be creative - thinking outside the box to find solutions that can benefit both parties
Home inspection negotiations. Your Buyer’s Agent also helps you navigate the home inspection and ensures that your interests are protected throughout the process:
• Understanding and explaining inspection reports
• Prioritizing inspection issues
• Obtaining estimates
• Presenting repair requests
• Negotiating repairs or credits
• Following up to ensure that repairs are made
• and receipts received
COORDINATE
Once your offer is accepted, your Buyer’s Agent will coordinate many aspects of the transaction from contract to closing. These include the following:
• Provide contracts and supplemental documents to attorneys and streamline the attorney review process
• Advise on OPRA and flood zone status
• Manage the timeline of the transaction
• Assist with home inspection and follow-up inspections
• Assist with home appraisal scheduling and preparation
• Follow up with lenders
• Assist in the transfer utilities
• Schedule and manage the final walk through
Lois Schneider opened her doors in 1976 in an era when big mergers and franchising began transforming the real estate industry. She decided on a different approach:
ONE OFFICE ONE MISSION SUPERB CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Karen Schneider has real estate in her DNA. She grew up in the business and served as a company director since 1978. Karen graduated with a nursing degree from Georgetown University and later went on to earn her law degree, followed by a 30-year career as an attorney. Today, as company president, she has applied her professional background to Lois Schneider Realtor’s iconic brand by expanding the in-house marketing and creative services team and applying advanced technology to the suite of services available to each client.
Her commitment to her mother’s mission of superb personal service, dedicated community involvement and philanthropic endeavors continues to position Lois Schneider Realtor as the respected private brokerage it is today.
The family name is on the door, and the door is always open.
We are with you every step... all the way
to closing.
Our sales associates are skilled in keeping our buyers informed of changing trends so that they can make an informed offer in a highly competitive seller’s market. We are experienced in contract negotiations, assessing home values, accessing financing options, and more. Most importantly, we are dedicated to supporting buyers every step of the way to a successful outcome.
Negotiations
Attorney Review
• Technically a 3-day period, but can be shorter or longer
• Both attorneys review contract and propose changes, if necessary Under Contract
• Survey
• Title Search
• Title Insurance Mortgage Process
• Apply for a mortgage
Financial Qualification
• Obtain a mortgage pre-approval Select a Buyer’s Agent
• Meet with a realtor to talk about price range, desired towns and neighborhoods, number of bedrooms and baths, lot size, style of home, etc.
• Review listings online with your realtor
• Sign a Buyer’s Agency Agreement Tour Homes
• Set a date with your realtor to view homes in person
• Be honest with your realtor about what you like and don’t like about each listing Make an Offer
• Offer amount (proposed sale price)
• Closing date
• Amount of deposit
• Type of financing (cash or mortgage)
• Contingencies
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Disclosures (Sellers Disclosure, Lead Paint Disclosure)
• An appraisal will be ordered by the mortgage company Home Inspection
• See Home Inspection Checklist
• Schedule follow-up inspections, if necessary
• Compile a list of requests for repair or credit Deposit Due
• Usually due 5 -10 days after the conclusion of attorney review
• Held in an attorney trust account Order movers, homeowners insurance, utility transfer Walk through
• Usually scheduled the day of the closing Closing
• Typically takes place at the attorney or title company’s office
• Paperwork completed
• Receive the keys to your new home!
Local Attorneys
Benenson & Scher - Millburn
Elliot Scher
973-467-9750
benen.scher@verizon.net
Bloom & Dillon, P.C. - Livingston
George Bloom
973-758-0900
gbloom@bloomdillonpc.com bloomdillonpc.com
Bourne, Noll & Kenyon - Summit
Ellyn Draikiwicz
908-277-2200 bournenoll.com
Law Office of Matthew Coppolecchia - Summit
Matthew Coppolecchia 908-437-8969 mcoppolecchia@coppolecchialaw.com coppolecchialaw.com
Dempsey, Dempsey & Sheehan - Summit
Jerry Dempsey, Robert Dempsey, Mark Scancarella, Bart Sheehan
908-277-0388 dds@ddsnjlaw.com ddsnjlaw.com
Law Offices of Anthony Di Maggio
- Springfield
Anthony Di Maggio
973-258-9100 anthony@dimaggiolawoffice.com dimaggiolawoffice.com
Law Office of R. Jeffrey Hartlaub, LLC
- Summit
R. Jeffrey Hartlaub 908-273-7735
jhartlaub@rjhlawllc.com rjhlawllc.com
Law Office of Kevin J. Hubbard, LLC
- Chatham
Kevin Hubbard
908-219-4230 kevin@kevinhubbardlaw.com support@kevinhubbardlaw.com kevinhubbardlaw.com
The Ko Firm, LLC - Chatham
Harry K. Ko, Esq 908-219-4026 hko@thekofirm.com thekofirm.com
KW Law Group - Chatham
Susie Kelleher, Ben Weisfelner 973-878-4544 susie@kwlawgroup.com ben@kwlawgroup.com kwlawgroup.com
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. - Summit
Scott Terry, David Hardin, Roger Mehner 908-273-1212 lindabury.com
Law Office of Robert J. Machi, LLC - Livingston
Jeffrey D. Dollinger, Robert Machi 973-863-7629
jdollinger@machilawfirm.com machilawfirm.com
Miller & Miller - Chatham
David Miller, Michael Miller, Pamela Spellman 973-966-6644
david.miller@millerattys.com
Mountain Colony Professional Services, P.C., - Far Hills
Brian W. Fahey Jr., Esq. 908-234-2088
bj@faheylaw.net
Edward Papalia - Madison 973-443-4433 ed@papalia-law.com
Phelan, Frantz, Ohlig & Wegbreit, LLC, - Westfield
Gretchan R. Ohlig, Esq. 908-232-2244 gohlig@pfowlawfirm.com pfowlawfirm.com
Spurr Law, - Summit
Melissa A. Spurr, Esq hello@spurrlawllc.com
Law Offices of Ron J. Zoller, LLC - Union Ron Zoller
908-687-6628
ron@RJZLaw.com rjzlaw.com
Preferred Home Inspectors
Buyers Protection Group
Professional Inspectors
800-285-3001
Bpginspections.com
Empire Inspection
Tom Sanford
Call: 800-235-6090
Text: 732-789-7551
tom@empire-inspection.com
Empire-inspection.com
Heartland Home Inspection
Lee Turkowski
908-674-2506
908-619-8755
lee@heartlandhomeinspection.net
Heartlandhomeinspection.net
H & J Freile
732-271-1887
800-581-1887
info@hjfreile.com
Hjfreile.com
Hilltop Home Inspection
Paul Cianciulli
908-656-5200
hilltopinspection@comcast.net
Hilltopinspection.com
Pillar to Post
Doug Sward or Chip Freund
973-889-5306 (Call) 973-349-4579 (Text) doug.sward@pillartopost.com Morris.pillartopost.com
Real Pro Home Inspection
Phil Picone 908-397-0857
realprohomeinspection@gmail.com
Realproinspectors.com
Roots Home Inspection, LLC.
Bill Root Call: 908-769-0028 Text: 908-917-5771 bill@rootsinspectionservices.com
Rootshomeinspection.com
STIL Home Inspection Services, LLC.
Steve Tilstra 196 Parmelee Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506
Office: (201) 755-7845
Call or Text: (732) 319- 6499
steve.tilstra@stilhis.com www.stilhis.com
S.W.D.A Inspection
Steve French 908-917-4533
swdainspections@gmail.com Swdainspections.com
Total Home Inspection
Nigel Turner
201-406-5213
nigel@thisinspection.com Totalhomeinspectionservices.com
Top Notch Home Inspection
Jim Ciatto Call: 732-832-1333 Text: 908-581-6922
topnotchinspectors@yahoo.com
Topnotchinspectors.net
Recommended Mortgage Specialist
LSR offers the benefit of our own in-house US Bank Mortgage Specialist, Greg Mezzacapo, located at our office at 431 Springfield Avenue in Summit. Over the years, Greg has helped many of our homebuyers by exploring financing options, offering competitive rates and providing step-by-step guidance that have made their dream of homeownership a reality.
Greg Mezzacapo U.S. Bank 908-507-9331
greg.mezzacapo@usbank.com
HOME INSPECTION checklist
Buyer’s Inspection Responsibilities
Home Inspection
Wood Destroying Insect Inspection
Radon Inspection
Oil Tank Scan
Sewer Line Scan
Septic Inspection
Chimney Inspection
Mold Testing
Pool Inspection
Follow up with
Electrician
Plumber
Roofing Contractor
Structural Engineer
Seller’s Inspection Responsibilities
Well Water Testing (if applicable)
Certificate of Occupancy Inspection, performed by the town. Varies by town but includes checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety issues.
ESTIMATEDbuyer closing costs
Buyers’ closing costs in New Jersey are typically 2 - 3% of the purchase price. To help you budget, below you will find an approximate breakdown of closing costs. This is not an exhaustive list. Please check with your real estate attorney and lender for more exact fees. These figures are based on estimates and will vary by provider and type of financing.
Legal Fees and Title Costs
Attorney Fee
Survey (large tracts of land may cost more)
$2,000 - $3,000 : $
: $ Settlement/Closing Fees
- $650 : $ Recording
Recording Fees (Mortgage)
- $150 : $
- $300 : $
Other Title Costs (includes searches, fees and settlement charges) $500 - $650 : $
Title Insurance (owner’s and lender’s) a per thousand rate based on purchase price : $
Mortgage Costs Loan Charges
$1,300 - $1,750 : $
Prepaid Interest per diem based on remaining days in the month after closing : $
: $
: $
: $
- $1,000 : $
Tank Inspection (if applicable)
- $350 : $
Additional Inspections if needed (Asbestos, Mold, Chimney or Structural Engineer) $ - $ : $
Other Costs
Homeowner’s Insurance Premium check with your insurance agent : $
Prepaid Homeowner’s Insurance usually 2-3 months : $
Mansion Tax (if purchase is over $1,000,000): 1% of purchase price : $
Real Estate Broker’s Commission as per Buyer’s Agreement $
Prorated Adjustments:
Either a charge or credit to adjust for payments made prior to and/or beyond the closing of title.
Property Taxes + - $ HOA Fees + - $ Water + - $
Assessments + - $ Sewer + - $ Heating Oil + - $ Total Prorated Adjustments + - $ Estimated Closing Costs: $
Top Rated Schools
The Niche 2025 Best School Districts ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statstics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.
#3 Millburn Township School District
#19 Westfield Public School District
#7 Summit Public School District
#20 Somerset Hills Regional School District
#9 The School District of the Chathams #56 Madison Public School District
#12 Livingston Board of Education School District
#66 Berkeley Heights Public School District
#13 New Providence School District
#81 S. Orange-Maplewood School District
#14 Bernards Township School District
#96 Springfield Public School District
SUMMIT
Commuter Parking in Our Communities at a Glance
Contact Information 908-522-5100 or parking@cityofsummit.org
Resident Annually: $864, Quarterly: $228, Monthly: $80, Daily: $4
Non-Resident No permits for non-residents. Daily parking available for a fee.
Website cityofsummit.org/207/commuter-parking
Comments Summit also offers residents a ridesharing program with Lyft to and from the train station (M-F 5AM-11PM) for $3/ride. Applicants must have a digital parking permit linked with a Lyft account.
BERKELEY HEIGHTS
Contact Information
908-464-2700
Resident Annually: $350, Daily: $6
Non-Resident Annually: $930, Daily: $10
Website berkeleyheights.gov/1418/parking-permits
Comments Permits for both residents and non-residents have a waiting list. For more info or to apply, please visit the township’s website or call the township clerk’s office.
CHATHAM BOROUGH
Contact Information 973-635-0674 ext. 214
Resident Annually: $525
Non-Resident No permits for non-residents. Daily parking available for a fee.
Website chathamborough.org/resident/parking
Comments There is currently a waiting list for resident parking permits. For more info or to apply/ register, visit the borough’s website or call the utilities clerk.
MADISON
Contact Information
973-245-3493 or parking@rosenet.org
Resident Annually: $450
Non-Resident No permits for non-residents.
Website rosenet.org/1155/commuter-residents-parking-permits
Comments There is currently a waiting list for resident parking permits. For more info or to register, visit the borough’s website.
MAPLEWOOD
Contact Information
973-762-8120
Resident $330/ year (prorated after July 1: $165)
Non-Resident No permits for non-residents.
Website www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/township-clerk/applications-and-forms
Comments Parking/Jitney Combo: $360/ year (prorated after July 1: $180)
MILLBURN (35 ESSEX ST.) & SHORT HILLS (25 CHATHAM RD.)
Contact Information 973-564-7084
Resident Annually: $620 (+$680 add. car), Semi-Annually: $455 (+$505 add. car)
Non-Resident No permits for non-residents.
Website twp.millburn.nj.us/215/parking
Comments For more information or to submit an application, please contact the tax collector’s office.
NEW PROVIDENCE (803 OLD SPRINGFIELD AVE.) & MURRAY HILL (FOLEY PL. & SOUTHGATE RD.)
Contact Information 908-665-1400 ext. 0
Resident Annually: $420 (prorated $35/month)
Non-Resident Annually: $1,320 (prorated $110/month) for Murray Hill Train Station only
Website newprov.org/parking/train-station-parking/
Comments Daily parking is available at Murray Hill for $7.
For more information, visit the borough’s website or call the clerk’s office.
Our Communities
Summit
Summit is a vibrant city of approximately 22,000 residents. A commuter’s dream, Summit combines highly rated schools with the delights of a charming downtown of local shops, fine restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, recreational parks, playing fields, and more. Homebuyers see in Summit the best that a fine suburban community has to offer, while enjoying a 40-minute Mid-Town Direct commuter train ride to New York City, a 15-minute trip to Newark Liberty International Airport and easy access to major highways.
Berkeley Heights
Established in 1899, Berkeley Heights continues to be ranked as one of the best small towns in New Jersey, just 28 miles to New York City. Residents enjoy the close proximity to hiking trails, bridle paths, wineries, farms, and more. A tradition of celebrations such as the annual Mt. Carmel Feast & Fireworks and summer concerts in the park have drawn crowds from surrounding towns for decades. In addition to its highly rated public school system and outstanding recreational activities for all ages, the quaint Berkeley Heights train station is located at the center of town, adding a hometown touch and an easy commute to New York City.
Chatham
The Chathams – Chatham Borough and Chatham Township – are attractive suburban communities located in Morris County that share a common history. They are often referred to collectively as “Chatham” which means “a village of small cottages.” Charming Borough homes are typically located closer to downtown shops, restaurants and the train station, while neighborhoods in the Township offer a diverse selection of larger homes.The Chathams boast excellent public schools, a rich tradition of annual community events and a spot in NJ Monthly’s “Best Places to Live” in past years.
Harding Township
Harding Township, located in the heart of Morris County, is comprised of New Vernon and a portion of Green Village, each defined by the pastoral settings sought by homeowners dating as far back as the 1700s who wished to preserve the unspoiled aspect of the area. That preservation continues today, with landmark sites, historic churches, notable farms and the polo field of Hartley Farms. Community spirit is alive and well, as evidenced by a vibrant and well-funded landmark Kemmerer Library, the Harding Historical Society, New Vernon Garden Club, and the Recreation Association that sponsors sports leagues and programs for children.
Madison
Home to Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the College of St. Elizabeth, Madison is a bustling suburban community that combines easy commuter access to New York City with all the charm of living in a college town. Madison prides itself in cultural and educational programs such as the acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Residents enjoy the variety of great restaurants, unique shops and local events that create the friendly environment of its scenic downtown Main Street. Topnotch schools, a charming downtown, and community programs have earned Madison “One of the 100 Best Places to Live in America” by Money Magazine in past years.
Maplewood
Often referred to as urban surburbia, Maplewood is a small Essex County town best known for its diversity, arts and wonderful cultural vibe. It is enhanced by great schools, three libraries, a quaint village of shops and restaurants, and a train station just a 35-minute ride to New York City. An architectural mix of homes are set along tree-lined neighborhoods and parks. The town borders the 2,100-acre South Mountain Reserve with its hiking trails and lovely vistas, while the renowned annual Maplewoodstock Art and Music Festival draws artists and musicians from all over.
Millburn/Short Hills
Winding lanes, luxury estates, lakefront properties and many fine homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places define Old Short Hills. It was designed by inventor and horticulturist Stewart Hartshorn who committed himself to preserving the natural landscape of its residential streets that surround the quaint village and train station of Short Hills. Millburn represents a diverse mix of smaller homes and architectural styles served by a bustling downtown of shops, restaurants and the famed Paper Mill Playhouse and second train station. Both communities are rich in historic real estate and enjoy the benefits of a high-performing public school system and easy access to Manhattan.
New Providence
Nestled in the Watchung Mountains, New Providence is home to approximately 13,000 residents within 3.6 square miles in northwestern Union County. A warm and welcoming community known for its beautiful residential neighborhoods, outstanding school system, vibrant downtown business district and wonderful recreation facilities, it is also home to several Fortune 500 companies. This friendly suburban hometown is conveniently located about 15 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport and approximately 28 miles west of New York City, with two train stations providing service to New York Penn Station.
Year-over-Year Closed Sales Comparison
January 01, 2024 - September 30,