Interest rates and prices are down: It’s a great time to buy real estate ... and eat tiramisu, By Ginny Raue West Milford - “The market now is like a price war in a beauty contest.” This current cliche, according to realtor Linda McCullough of West Milford’s RE/MAX Classic Group, pretty much sums up a home seller’s predicament in today’s real estate market. Born and raised in Connecticut, McCullough moved to New Jersey in 1975 and now resides in a lakefront home in Greenwood Lake, New York. Although she graduated from William Paterson University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, McCullough switched career paths in 1985 when she got into real estate. Now, with almost 25 years experience, she has progressed in her field through education and attaining multiple certifications. She has been with the RE/MAX organization since 1992. McCullough is currently a licensed broker in New York and New Jersey. She is a certified residential specialist, a certified real estate broker/manager, a senior’s residential specialist, and a graduate of the Realtor Institute. “Every day is different,” McCullough said, and West Milford is unique, she added. One day she may find herself showing a cabin in the woods, the next day an upscale lakefront property. McCullough likes the diversity and challenges of her job and, after spending so many years in the business, she is now experiencing another perk. “The really cool part of my job is actually selling homes to children of past clients,” McCullough said. When McCullough spoke about what a seller should do to prepare their home for sale she said, “Wash the windows, shampoo the carpets. The home that looks the best sells the quickest.” McCullough is also an advocate of home staging. Removing clutter, reorganizing furniture, choosing a good piece to create a new focal point, all can add up to a more inviting appearance. “Take what you have and bring out their best features,” she said. Regarding the asking price for a home, McCullough said that the closer the home is priced to true market value the quicker it will sell. Overpricing a home leads to lower bids and longer time on the market, she said. For those looking to purchase a house, McCullough said that the first step is to get preapproved for a mortgage. “Being gainfully employed, having a little money in the bank, and having good credit is important,” she said. She encourages clients to work with their realtor to get assistance in lining up an experienced mortgage broker. Interest rates are low, and, although as of January there were 271 active listings in West Milford, the inventory has actually decreased from a year ago, McCullough reported. “Serious sellers are on the market now,” she said. “Real estate is a good investment - as a long-term investment,” McCullough said. McCullough appreciates the Greenwood Lake and West Milford areas on a personal level as well. “I love where I live because of the beauty it offers. There’s so much to do, apple orchards, wineries. So much to enjoy,” she said. She takes advantage of all the seasons by boating, water skiing, fishing, tubing, snow skiing, and hiking the trails of West Milford. She said that although she loves her custom kitchen over-looking the lake, she’d rather be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. She’s not a gourmet cook, she said, but does like to entertain and prepare meals for friends. She has submitted a favorite dessert recipe. Tiramisu 6 egg yolks 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup brandy 1/3 cup Marsala 1 pound mascarpone 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 3/4 cup strong coffee 24 giant Italian ladyfingers 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped In large bowl beat egg yolks with sugar until light, about 5 minutes Whisk in 1/4 cup of brandy and Marsala Transfer to double boiler over gently simmering water, whisk for about 7 minutes or until thickened - let cool Beat mascarpone until smooth, fold in egg mixture. Whip cream, stir 1/4 of it into cheese mixture - fold in remaining cream Combine coffee and remaining brandy and Marsala Arrange half the ladyfingers in an 11 x 7 inch glass baking dish and brush with half the coffee mixture Spread with half the cream mixture - repeat layers Top with chocolate Cover and refrigerate overnight Serves 6, prep time 45 minutes