Pollock Properties Group | Summer Journal 2025
Real estate is about more than houses. It’s about humanity.
And this summer, we’re inviting you IN.
At Pollock Properties Group, we’ve launched a new seasonal series called “Welcome IN.” It’s our way of staying connected, even in the in-between—between listings, between vacations, between big moves. Each week through the summer, we’re sharing something to help you feel more IN. — IN. the Know, IN. the Community, and IN. Love with where you live.
This space is our living journal, updated every week with fresh features from our Friday newsletter, from staging stories and market moments to community gems, philanthropic spotlights, and local love.
WEEKLY FEATURES
Week of August 29:
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. That’s the power of new seasons.
”
Happy Friday, Friends!
The season is changing. You can see it, you can feel it, you can even smell it.
One of the best parts of living in Northern New Jersey, in my opinion, is getting to fully experience all four seasons - four chances for change, reflection, and renewal. But the transition from summer into fall might just be the most profound of them all. Why? Because it's not just the leaves turning. It's our lives shifting. Maybe you just dropped your oldest off at college. Or you're prepping a tiny backpack for the first day of kindergarten. Personally, I get teary just thinking about your upcoming back-to-school Facebook posts!
As a hardcore summer lover (and someone who feels seasonal changes deeply), this time of year always brings me a sense of loss, as well as a sense of rebirth. As the days grow shorter, a new chapter quietly begins. It's during these transitions that I'm reminded of the work we do at Pollock Properties Group. We're not just helping people buy and sell houses - we're guiding them through major life chapters. Beginnings and endings. The bittersweet in-betweens. And let me tell you, it's the greatest honor to walk alongside families during these pivotal seasons of their lives.
I'm often struck by what sellers say after we've staged and prepped their home: “I wish we had done this earlier and lived in the house this way.” It's usually said with a laugh, but it always hits me. Why don't we live in our homes the way we wish we did? Our homes are more than walls and furniture - they're our oasis. Our safe place. The backdrop of our memories. So as this new season rolls in, I want to empower you to create your own sense of renewal right where you are. Don't wait until the kids are gone or until you're ready to sell. Start now.
Maybe this means clearing off all of your surfaces and creating a little zen. Maybe it means wallpapering that powder room you keep talking about. Maybe it means purging your closet of those 2004 pieces of clothing (looking at you, husband!). No project is too small or too big, if it brings you joy and peace in your space. Start this next season with a sense of possibility. A sense of beauty, sentimentality, calm, coziness, and pride.…and yes, of course, pumpkin spice. Because in about a week, like it or not, everything is going to be about pumpkin spice!
Denise and everyone at PPG
Denise’s Front Porch Pick: Three Daughters Baking
Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, you'll find something delicious for even the biggest critic! We love stopping here in the mornings and weekends!
Week of August 22:
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.”
Hi all!
It's your old pal Kev here to give you a quick, local economic update as well as a warning regarding an upcoming event we are sponsoring. How's that for ominous foreboding in an attempt to get you to keep reading??
First of all, a quick housing market reset. Looking at the combined stats in SOMA from January to this point in August over the past five years, one can see that the market for 3BR+ homes is as hot as ever. Our inventory continues to be tight; listings are down more than 12% from this same time period last year (265 to 232). Meanwhile, irrespective of our slight annual loss or gain in inventory over the past four years, sale prices have continued to rise. The average sale price for a 3BR+ home in SOMA has gone up almost 5% over the past year from $1,064,000 to $1,110,000.
Now for the baleful warning: DO NOT MISS BROADWAY IN THE PARK!!! If you do, I…I don't know if you'll ever recover from the FOMO your experience when you see all the video clips of the rest of us having a ball there. All kidding aside, and with only a dash less hyperbole, we are so excited to sponsor this event again this year because we love sharing with people just how much world class talent resides in our humble little towns. Mark your calendars for LABOR DAY - Monday, September 1 at 4:30pm for this momentous event at Memorial Park Amphitheater.
SOMA Stage presents Broadway in the Park: Miscast will feature 20 amazing performers who live in our neighborhoods. I've often said that our towns could beat anywhere else in the world in a talent contest and this is the proof! Bring a blanket, lay out a picnic lunch, and enjoy this free concert that is quickly becoming one of the best annual musical events in a town that has so many good ones.
Kevin and everyone at PPG
Kevin’s Front Porch Pick: Halo Roasters
In Springfield, my kids and I love what Halo has to offer - from coffee to tea, it's a great local coffee shop for your morning fix!
Week of August 15:
“Rest is not idleness… and watching the clouds float across the sky is by no means a waste of time.
”
Happy Friday, Friends!
It's Sheri here, holding things down in New Jersey this week while some of my colleagues were away at the annual Keller Williams Mega Agent Camp in San Antonio—learning ALL the things to help us continue to provide YOU with the best buyer and seller guidance and SERVICE possible!
As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, the real estate market tends to take a bit of a breather. Many folks are off enjoying long-awaited vacations, soaking up the sun at the beach, or focused on getting the kids ready for the upcoming school year. It’s a natural time for a collective pause—a chance to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the more relaxed pace that summer brings.
For me, this season is all about embracing the simple joys: spending cherished time with my grandchildren, hosting family gatherings, and welcoming our newest furry family member, Bailey, who is quickly finding her place alongside her big brother, Willy. These moments are a reminder that while business may quiet down, life continues to bloom in meaningful ways.
As we soak in these summer days, it’s also the perfect time to regroup and look ahead. The real estate market typically picks back up in earnest after Labor Day, making now a great opportunity to start planning. Whether you're thinking about selling your home or beginning the search for a new one, PPG is here to guide you every step of the way. Enjoy the rest of your summer—and be sure to reach out to PPG when you’re ready to make your next move!
Sheri and everyone at PPG
#CareServeGive #ClosingForACause
Sheri’s Front Porch Pick: Turtle Back Zoo
Whether young or old, the Turtle Back Zoo is fun! Seeing the animals, going in the Carousel(ok- that's for the young or young at heart) it brings families together for an amazing day. And don't forget their open-air train! Who doesn't love giraffes??
Week of August 8:
“Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.
”
Happy Friday, Friends —
What do cats, power tools, and real estate have in common? For my family, the answer came on a hot Saturday afternoon, covered in sawdust and surrounded by curious whiskered faces. My son has a knack for finding animals in need, and our home has become a haven for furry friends (our robotic vacuum is exhausted). So over Independence Day weekend, we built a catio—an enclosed outdoor lounge—to give our cats a safe place to birdwatch in peace.
The result isn’t exactly HGTV-worthy (I may need a class on staple guns), but it was a labor of love. Somewhere between measuring posts and chasing down escapees, I realized this is what finding the right home is really about: not square footage or subway tile, but having a space where every member of your family—furry or otherwise—feels safe, joyful, and fully themselves.
That’s exactly why we love helping people find homes in Maplewood and South Orange. These towns are full of creativity, diversity, and neighbors who support one another. At Pollock Properties Group, we believe real estate should reflect those values. We Care, Serve, and Give because a house becomes a home when it’s rooted in a community where you can be who you are.
So whether you’re house-hunting, cat-corralling, or just dreaming about your next chapter—we are here to help you find a place where you (and your pets!) truly belong.
With gratitude and a few paw prints,
Adrianna and everyone at PPG
#CareServeGive #ClosingForACause
Adrianna’s Front Porch Pick:: Park Wood Diner
I go to Park Wood for the John Salad, stay for the onion rings, and finish strong with a chocolate milkshake, because: balance. It's my favorite local spot where you can get friendly service, a full meal, dessert, and all the neighborhood scoop in one booth-
Week of August 1:
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
IN. Design.
Hi there! I’m Kitty — Director of Home Transformation here at Pollock Properties Group. I’m the one who rolls up my sleeves, walks through your home with fresh eyes, and helps uncover its full potential before it hits the market.
At PPG, we believe that selling your home shouldn’t feel overwhelming and it definitely shouldn’t fall entirely on your shoulders. That’s why we created H.E.L.P., our Home Enhancement Loan Program. This no-upfront-cost renovation option allows you to make impactful updates as you prepare to come to the market and repay the cost at closing. Think of it as a stress-free way to boost your home’s value, without draining your wallet.
When you work with us, I’ll personally walk through your home and put together a custom, room-by-room plan with thoughtful, strategic recommendations — everything from paint and lighting updates to minor repairs, organizing, and decluttering. I’ll also advise on furniture placement and what to keep, move, or store to make room for our staging — all designed to highlight your home’s best features and create a welcoming, elevated feel that brings you the highest price possible. We then bring in our trusted partners to get the design and repair work done, while we handle every detail behind the scenes. You don’t lift a finger.
We’ve exclusively partnered with ARKGEN, a local contractor and investor, to fund and execute the work so you can focus on the move and season ahead, while seeing your home come to life in a whole new way. Homes that are thoughtfully updated and beautifully presented not only attract more buyers, but also sell for more. A LOT more. And HELP makes that possible for every seller. And on top of it, we employ “low cost, high impact” designs for the greatest return on investment.
At the heart of it all, we care deeply about creating homes that feel warm, special, and full of intention. And we care about ALL our clients. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter design — every home has a story, and we’re here to help tell it, so that you have the best results in the business.
Let us know if some HELP could take some of the stress out of selling for you?
Warmly,
Kitty & everyone at PPG
Kitty’s Front Porch Pick: True Salvage Cafe
This cozy, eclectic gem is the perfect spot to grab a baked treat, enjoy a laid-back breakfast, or linger over a delicious lunch. But my favorite? Their Tapas Nights, hosted a few times a month and bursting with seasonal, farm-to-table flavor. Chef Signe creates small plates that are big on taste. Don’t miss it!
Week of July 25:
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
Happy Friday, Friends!
It’s Elizabeth Welch here, Chief of Staff for PPG. It’s an exciting day here at Pollock Properties Group — it’s Arts Fair time!!! For the past two years, we’ve partnered with Maplewood Township to bring the best local arts educators together under one roof at The Woodland: a one-stop shop to find your next art teacher, dance studio, music instructor, improv class, or theater camp. If you know us at PPG, you know we’re a group of artists, performers, musicians, and dancers — and that Charlie and Vanessa have made it their mission to provide arts access for everyone through the Pollock Arts Initiative. WE HAVE A HEART FOR THE ARTS.
For me — the team member who organizes the Arts Fair each year — this event is a love letter to the people who shaped my life. From my very first voice lesson (thank you, Ms. Clark!) to high school show choir (thank you, QP!), to undergrad and grad programs in voice (thank you, Julie Simson!), and all the way to Broadway for 15 unimaginable years in The Phantom of the Opera — I owe so much to these (and many more) passionate and inspiring teachers who nurtured my love for music and storytelling.
That’s why access to the arts matters so deeply to us. And that’s why we’re thrilled to share that the Arts Fair is going DIGITAL this year! PollockArtsFair.com is now live — your 24/7 online directory for all things Arts Education in our towns. No more waiting until Labor Day to walk the tables at The Woodland — you can explore classes, schools, and camps right now, from your cozy couch. We’re getting this to you early so you don’t miss out on fall registration!
So please, join us. Welcome IN to PollockArtsFair.com!
And while you’re at it, thank a teacher today! They deserve it.
Wishing you a lifetime of creativity, learning, and inspiration,
Elizabeth, and all of us at PPG
P.S. If you are an Arts Educator and not signed up yet: Fill out this quick form – Arts Fair 2025 Registration. We want to include you!
Welchie’s Front Porch Pick: Perch Home
Delicious food, boutique shopping, and their Porch (ok, patio) is absolutely serene.
Week of July 18:
“I have no special talent.
I am only passionately curious.”
Happy Friday, Friends!
It’s Alex Felicetti here - one of the agents on the Pollock Properties Group team! I am SO happy to be wishing y’all another happy summer weekend!! As we roll into the heat -I mean - heart of summer, we’re sending you sunshine, good vibes, and everything local real estate to keep you IN. the Know and IN. the Moment. Whether you're soaking up the season at the pool, grilling in the backyard, or dreaming about your next move, we are here with you—every step of the way.
This summer, we’re inviting you IN. to something special: our WELCOME IN. series. It's all about connection, community, and staying inspired—whether you’re IN. the Market, IN. the Neighborhood, or simply IN. Love with where you live! We’re welcoming you IN. to what matters most—because being informed and inspired is always IN. Season.
Be IN. this summer. Keep your eyes on our Friday Features, and be sure you are following us on Instagram @pollockpropertiesgroup and Facebook to be IN. the Loop with SOMA’s #1 Team.
And stay tuned in the coming weeks for our Friday Features special guests. I am sure you will recognize some names and faces!
Wishing you the best iced coffee you can imagine today,
Alex
Alex’s Front Porch Pick: Guerriero Gelato & Cakes
Check back weekly or subscribe to our newsletter to never miss a moment.
Until then, be IN. this summer.
IN. the Loop. IN. the Market. IN. the Love.
💛 With heart,
The Pollock Properties Group Team
#CareServeGive #WelcomeIN #BeINThisSummer #PollockPropertiesGroup #SOMARealEstate
