ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S FIRST HOME TIPS

ERA Justin Realtor sales person Grace Tirrito is known throughout South Bergen County and Lyndhurst as a top real estate professional for decades. Her listing and sales have provided successes for her buyers and sellers. Grace provides real estate services throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S FIRST HOME TIPS

ERA Justin Realty, a leading realty firm serving the many communities of South Bergen County has sold thousands of homes to first time homebuyers since their grand opening in 1950.  Seeing shifts in the industry from seller’s markets to buyer’s markets as well as varied shifts in mortgage interest rates, historically their buyers have enjoyed both the benefits of home ownership as well as value appreciation over the years. 

ERA Justin Realty’s sales associate, Grace Tirrito stated, “Vacation periods are nearing end and approaching our fall selling season. If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with excitement. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.

Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?  It’s easier than you think. Sit down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.  One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod, Ranch or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?  Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen now.  It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.

Question #2: Where should I begin the search?  That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires.  Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?  What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you?  Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet is a tool of  choice for learning what a particular community has to offer. Approximately 90% of searches begin on the Internet. We offer two winning websites for your search choices, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me? Homes are affordable for qualified buyers. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.

Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of one of our ERA Justin Realty sales associates can give you the advice on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction. We can assist in you receiving a mortgage pre-approval.

Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to one of our ERA Justin Realty real estate professionals who serve the community you’d like to call home. ERA Justin Realty sales associates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Websites bring up-to-date listings directly to you, and we can suggest many mortgage lenders who offer loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.

The path to finding your first home is sure to be full other questions. Once we provide you with the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!”

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner concluded, “ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,’ one of the awarded ERA real estate firms from approximately 2,600 all across the nation.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

Tirrito and the other ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor sales associates can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. 

For ERA Justin Realtors School is Never Out

ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner Jennifer Darby Metzger serving buyers and sellers for 21 years explains the benefits of real estate education.  Also a New Jersey licensed real estate instructor she explains, for Realtors school is never out.

 

For ERA Justin Realtors School is Never Out

For real estate professionals at ERA Justin Realty, the season of learning is 365 days long and a continuing cycle of professional education. Not only meeting the New Jersey Real Estate Commission continuing education requirements for licensing renewal but for attending seminars that benefit their buyers and sellers. Education and seminars have made them their Realtor of choice since 1950 in Bergen, Passaic Hudson and Essex Counties.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin broker co-owner and  New Jersey licensed real estate licensing instructor said, “The business of being a Realtor has become significantly more complex. Innovation in technology and the knowledge required to apply it effectively to our profession continues to proceed at a dizzying pace. Our clients use technology to communicate with us in ways that few could have imagined just a few short years ago, and they expect us to be every bit as comfortable with using technology as they are. As cell phones have replaced office phones and electronic organizers replaced appointment books, the power of the Internet offers global marketing presence to every Realtor at our firm.

The regulatory environment in which the real estate industry operates has become more complicated as well. Legal protections for consumers, a host of financing options and a myriad of state and local regulations place demands on our attention so we are prepared to best serve the interests of our clients. Therefore, the knowledge base that each one of us must possess grows daily. This all serves to make our firm a real estate market leader.

I'm not suggesting for a moment that sales professionals should feel nostalgia for simpler times. In truth, successful Realtors have always invested considerable effort to achieve success. If a sales associate's job simply consisted of putting up a sign, running an ad and waiting for the phone to ring, our profession would have been phased out of existence long ago. It is precisely the considerable knowledge required to help clients reach their real estate goals that instill value in what we do  in our industry.

The intelligent use of technology has always been a core principle at ERA Justin Realty, particularly when it comes to education. In addition to classroom settings we attend, additional education is held in via Internet webinar classes.

There is another important difference between our Realtors and eager students, a difference that is challenging and invigorating. Unlike students, Realtors don't have to wait until the end of the semester to find out how they are doing. The results are visible in a client's happiness when they find a home that meets their needs both financially and emotionally, which lets us know how we are doing every day.”

Metzger concluded, “We are proud to offer this information, one of a series for homeowners. We offer continuing articles as an added measure to make our phrase ‘There is a difference in real estate companies,’ more than just a phrase, but a reality. Because of our daily efforts, we've received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award.’ For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

The staff of ERA Justin Realty Realtor sales associates can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS 2013 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ERA Justin Realty Brokers Co-owners, Carol Darby, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger. They, with their team of Realtor agents focus on the real estate needs of their buyers and sellers. The firm as been a Realtor of choice to thousands since 1950.  Many agents from other realty firms have transferred to ERA Justin Realty and are successfully servicing real estate needs of their buyers and sellers.

 

                      ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS 2013 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

How many careers exist today that involve helping people achieve their lifelong dream? According to Ron Darby, a leading real estate owner and broker in the real estate industry for 45 years and co-owner of  ERA Justin Realty, “Real estate agents help make dreams come true every day. We have agents from other area real estate firms join us, and they have suggested that they should have made the move to us years earlier."

Darby speaks from great experience.  He, with his team, have hired trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many ERA Justin Realty agents have been with the firm for up to 30 years, with earnings greater than at most area real estate firms. 

He continued, “As real estate trends change, as agents commission needs change we watch and listen. Joined by my business partners, Carol Darby instrumental in strong commission development and Jennifer Darby Metzger, we have created our ERA Justin Realty comprehensive commission package for agents,  once again bringing our firm to the forefront in earnings, outdistancing many competing offices in earning potential. 

We also give our agents the greatest buyer base potential with strong personal and listing advertising in South Bergen County.  Full color page advertising of our listings in the South Bergenite bring an abundance of potential buyers to our agents while giving our sellers more marketing exposure than many other firms, always focusing on our two websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.  Our Winning Edge Teammate Advantage benefit package is not obtainable at other firms. We proudly make a strong market impact, internal training programs and a superior level of support. We have been a Realtor of choice to thousands since 1950."

His career began as sales manager of K Realty where he focused and built that brand into a successful 5 office firm with two Rutherford offices, plus offices in Lyndhurst, North Arlington and a South Jersey office location serving Stafford Township and Long Beach Island.  From the Stafford Township office he was responsible for construction of nearly 200 custom single and multi-family dwellings.  After a decade he chose to  retire briefly, only to be encouraged by Justin Tokarski, founder of Justin Realty to form a partnership to duplicate the success he created at K Realty. 

He added, “I had known of Justin’s impeccable real estate reputation as a broker and past mayor of Rutherford.    He called me month after month asking for a meeting, but I was enjoying my new freedom.  Finally, accepting his invitation for lunch, we agreed that I join him, and the rest is history. Today, over thirty years later, ERA Justin Realty is a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide from more than 2,600 ERA offices and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award.

Metzger, who has trained and  developed into one of the area's most successful Realtor-brokers said, "For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately.  Our agent Winning Edge Teammate Advantage commission benefit package has been structured so agents have a sense of pride in receiving strong earnings and other benefits which they deserve in this new age of real estate. Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone me for a confidential conversation. Give me a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding real estate career. To learn more, call (201) 939-7500.”

ERA Justin Realty Offers Tips for Buying in a Tight Summer 2013 Market

Denise Leonessa, ERA Justin Realtor salesperson offers buying tips for a successful purchase. Denise had joined the firm coming from another Bergen County realty agency and focuses on first time and repeat home buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties.

ERA Justin Realty Offers Tips for Buying in a Tight Summer 2013 Market

"It's always hard to predict how long it will take to find a home to buy. Given the current limited inventory environment, it may take you longer than it would in a balanced market, but waiting and waiting may not work in your favor. Although patience typically is a key component of your home search feelings, when a home you like a lot comes along quickly in your search, other buyers may have the same idea. You could end up in competition and you may not be the winning bidder," suggests Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner.

Denise Leonessa, a Realtor salesperson who joined ERA transferring from another area firm offered, "Plan to look at every new listing that comes close to satisfying your wish list. Accept that you won't find everything on your wish list. Successful buyers make sacrifices. Just make sure to make intelligent compromises, being sure that a home you buy will suit your needs for years to come.

There are benefits to seeing a new listing that’s a possibility for you in person rather than looking at it only online or having your salesperson describe it to you. In a low-inventory market, it’s vitally important to become focused. Follow up quickly if you plan to make a purchase as the listing may be sold to another buyer who also had seen the house. If you’ve educated yourself about local market pricing, try to distinguish a listing that is fairly priced.

Some real estate salespersons encourage their buyers to make an offer even if they haven't a chance because they feel it gives buyers a chance to get their feet wet. The problem with this approach is that after going through the process and losing out four or five times, you may feel burned out and drop out of the house hunting search altogether. We at ERA Justin Realty try to educate our buyers in advance to reduce the possibility of losing the house they really want to buy."

Darby added, "We proudly have a strong team of Realtor salespersons who caravan our listings in person so they can more accurately advise of the home's features. Make sure your salesperson is in touch with the listing agent of a listing you covet so that you have a sense of how much competition there might be. Then based on your pricing expertise, your financial capabilities and how close the house matches what you want, you can make an educated decision about whether to make an offer and what that offer amount should be. Factor this information into the affordability equation as you proceed. Have your salesperson watch for listings that may have lingered on the market as those sellers may have a strong degree of motivation when your offer is written. This type of listing may be a buying opportunity in today’s market."

Leonessa concluded, "There is a difference in real estate companies. Our buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for your viewing, ‘;What people are saying’; our report of over 700 quotes and reviews. No other area real estate firm can offer that. We have been a Realtor of choice since 1950 throughout our marketing areas."

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at their winning search websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Home Staging Before Selling

Fara Espandi, an ERA Justin Realty Realtor salesperson is a role model to many. Membership in all Multiple Listing Services for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties and a national relocation expert, her accomplishments are exceptional. She shares her expertise in home staging for those marketing their houses.

    

                        ERA Justin Realty Points the Way to Home Staging Before Selling

"Today some buyers are looking for turnkey homes. That is, they want to move right in without having to do a lot of work. Those buyers with busy lifestyles may be willing to pay more for listings that are in prime condition. Staging can make the difference between a listing selling or not, the time it takes to sell, and the ultimate sale price.

Sellers who are financially strapped often have a hard time accepting that they’ll need to invest in preparing a house for sale even though they may sell for less than they paid. Fix-up costs can mount up and our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals can help you prioritize so that you don’t waste money. It’s important to keep your goal in mind, which is to sell your house," stated Realtor salesperson, Fara Espandi.

Espandi continued, "A typical example which may repeat itself across the country is a house that may have come on the market in 'as is' condition. It may have been lived in for decades without much upgrading. Located in a residential area, this example listing being vacant, dark and showed poorly. The sellers chose not to do any work to improve its appeal.

After months on the market with no significant interest, the sellers took the house off the market and made improvements. The wall-to-wall carpet was pulled up to reveal hardwood floors that were then refinished. Painters lightened the interior and a stager assisted and suggested bringing in furniture, artwork, house plants and accessories. The listing was put back on the market with a fresh look and sold."

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner added, "Although listings staged by our focused ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can show well and often sell quickly, you don’t need to spend a lot to put your home into shape for marketing. Many homeowners have too many personal possessions in their home from a sale standpoint. Decluttering is something many sellers need to do."

"Consider having someone to help you sort, pack, donate and recycle items that you no longer want. You may be able to take a tax deduction for things you donate. Make sure to get a receipt. Our Realtor salesperson should be able to recommend someone who can help you clear your house of clutter if you are overwhelmed by the project.  We can assist and provide many services. You may help the process by putting away collections of  personal photos, etc. This can be difficult for many sellers because, for them, it’s part of the emotional appeal of their home. Your house won't look like your home after you’ve removed personal possessions and moved what’s left around to display the house to its best advantage," added Metzger.

Espandi concluded, "That’s the point of the preparation process. You don’t want prospective buyers focusing on your personal property; you want them to focus on the house. Keep in mind that how you live in your home and how it should look when it goes on the market are not the same. Some sellers might say that their house looks too stark without all their possessions. Even so, it helps you to detach yourself emotionally from the property. Also, less personal property usually gives homes a more spacious feel. When buyers are looking for the most for their money, bigger is usually better."

 There is a difference in real estate companies. ERA Justin Realty buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing for your viewing in their, ‘What people are saying’ report of over 700 quotes and reviews. The firm has been a Realtor of choice to thousands since 1950 when they first opened their office.

 The ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons with staging capabilities can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at their  winning search websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.