Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT
A resident of Upper Montclair, New Jersey for over 41 years, Rosanne Bostonian, PhD, RMT, has been a long valued member of the healing community in Northern New Jersey. Her home in New Jersey has seen many changes over the 41 years of her ownership.
Among the many improvements she has made are a fully finished basement with a second full bath, a deck and patio, a sun room, and various other cosmetic improvements. Her believe is that there is balance between the investment that a home represents and the enjoyment and utilitarian aspects of a living space.
Dr. Bostonian’s view of “what we’re all doing here” reflects her study of Buddhist teachings and her life experience. Her strong belief is that there is a flow of truth that can only be accessed through ego sacrifice and self-awareness. She believes that we must overcome ego distractions to access fact that “sufficiency” rather than showy purchases lay the foundation for balance in living.
Having lived in one area for many years has allowed Rosanne to be part of a community and witness the many changes inherent in community living. Montclair has seen the influx of young families who find the commute to New York City easier from this side of the Hudson River. The schools and amenities of Montclair living have been the bell-weather attracting many.
In addition to her home in Upper Montclair, Dr. Bostonian owns a mini-ranch in SW Florida where she frequently recharges her batteries. She owes that home to the equity obtained as a long-time resident of her New Jersey home and holding that one property as it appreciated.
Long noted for her sense of humor, palatable wisdom and open-heartedness, Dr. Bostonian’s words on many subjects shared on her website, EssentialSpirit.net have been said to strike chords of awareness in those who are kindred spirits. She delights in the expression of the written word.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
Since I’ve purchased only one home in my life, I can remember Helen Truella, a very sweet, elderly woman, who patiently escorted me around Montclair, NJ, until we found my current home. That was 41 years ago! I chose to stay in my ranch style home and watch it appreciate over these many years. I purchased it for $41,000 and now it’s assessed over $400,000! Pretty good investment!
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
I’ve been at this same location in Upper Montclair for 41 years. As my home appreciated, I was able to leverage the equity to build a second home in Florida. Rather than change homes, I chose to improve the Montclair home to increase its value.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
I would categorize my experience as minimal and would definitely choose to consult with experts if the time comes to fully retire and sell my northern home. That said, home ownership has taught me much about property values, and “location, location, location!” The spot where my Montclair home is located has been vital in maintaining and increasing its value.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
Fortunately not. When the housing market was high, prior to the 2008 crash, many people leveraged their homes for bigger and better things. I chose to stand pat, and that proved to be a prudent decisions since any losses were on paper. I realize that when values dropped, many found themselves “under water,” meaning their equity and what they owed were less than the current market value of their home.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
My father’s advice, “Do what you do well, and let others do what they do well. Don’t try to do what you don’t do well!” I would tell others to choose a person who comes personally recommended to handle home sales or purchases. I would also advise others to stay within conservative limits since overbuying can result in trouble if the markets fall.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
As mentioned, I’ve not sold or purchased, but rather bought (years ago) and built in Florida.
But again, allow the professionals to do what they do best!
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
As in all professions, a reputation of high ethics has to precede profit motives. Those who are short-sighted and looking for the dollar, can win in the short-run, but their “brand” will discourage others from using their services.
What has real estate taught you about life?
My experience as a home owner has taught me principles of financial prudence and modesty. Had I sold my smaller home in Montclair for a larger one, I could still have only lived in one room at a time! A home is an investment, not a showpiece to create envy in others. This philosophy works in all things. “Sufficiency” rules!
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
The paradigm of enough, or sufficiency, is the key to living a reasonable life. When we become voracious consumers of bigger homes, if in fact we don’t really need more space, we may drive the economy, but can be left in the dust when the winds of change blow hard.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
The philosophy underlying everything I believe and how I operate in life is the result of my educational background and various mentors I’ve had during my life’s journey. My parents were very effective savers and financially conservative. My spiritual mentor is Teresa Bahder, MA, of Skillman, NJ.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
My feedback system runs through what maintains harmony physically, emotionally and spiritually. The “alarm” that goes off within will tell me if I’m overstepping, running on an ego agenda, or some other choice destined for a bad outcome. We have to listen to the right voice within.
