Renting or Buying:  What’s Right For You?

Is it better to rent or buy a home?   Unfortunately,  there is no “right” answer --  rather, it depends on many factors and differs from person to person.   Regardless, it is a major decision that warrants careful thought.  

Grace Tirrito, sales associate with ERA Justin Realty, suggests that you make a list of your priorities, financial goals, and personal preferences  when making the decision to rent or buy.  “Despite popular belief, renting doesn’t always mean that you’re ‘throwing away money’ and buying doesn’t always ‘build wealth’,” she explains.  “In reality, the decision is much more complex.”  

Why RENT?

Flexibility - Do you have a job that requires you to move around every few years?  Are you not sure about which neighborhood you want to live in?   “Renting a home makes it much easier to move because you don’t have to go through the home selling process,” says Tirrito.  “if you need the flexibility to move easily, then renting is the best choice for you.”  

Fixed Monthly Expenses - When renting a home, your monthly expenses are fairly fixed -- you know what you owe each month for rent, utilities, and renter’s insurance.  When you own a home, there’s the chance for an unexpected expense -- like replacing the furnace, or repairing the roof.  

Limited Maintenance - Depending on your lease, most maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility.  You might need to mow the lawn, but you’re generally not responsible for major home repairs or maintenance.

Biggest con when renting?   Your landlord is in charge.   You may be faced with a rent increase, limitations on what changes you can make to the interior, or you may be asked to leave when the lease is up.

Reasons To BUY 

Build Equity - Buying a home is a financial investment and every time you make a mortgage payment you are building equity in that investment.  You can turn that equity into cash if you sell the home or refinance it.

Stability and Community - Owning a home and being connected to a community has many benefits for those looking to raise a family and establish long term relationships with friends. 

Freedom - Owning your own home gives you the control to update and renovate as you see fit.  Update that kitchen, refinish the basement, or add a backyard pool.   

Whether to rent or buy a home is a major decision. Some people buy homes when financially they’d be better off renting because home ownership is important to them.  Conversely, some people are habitual renters because they value flexibility, even though they’d amass more equity long term if they bought a home.  If you are facing this decision, working with a trusted professional like Grace Tirrito can help.   To connect with Grace, or any of our experienced Real Estate Agents, call 201.939.7500.

 

Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less

Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less

In a recent Blog, CoreLogic reported that rent prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Meanwhile, the typical mortgage payment has actually decreased.

ERA Justin Realty's Grace Tirrito a strong Realtor agent known for her many years of Rutherford and Lyndhurst sales, rentals and listings said, "CoreLogic’s national rent index was up 36% in December 2018 compared with December 2005, while the typical mortgage payment was down 4% over that period.”Why the difference between the costs of renting versus owning? It makes sense that rents have risen. However, how did mortgage payments decrease? CoreLogic explained: “It’s mainly because mortgage rates back in December 2005 were significantly higher, averaging 6.3% for a fixed-rate 30-year loan, compared with 4.6% in December 2018.

The national median sale price in December 2005 – $190,000 – was lower than the $220,305 median in December 2018, but because of higher mortgage rates in 2005 the typical monthly mortgage payment was slightly higher back then – $941 – compared with $904 in December 2018.”
Additionally, a recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that purchasing a home requires less of your monthly paycheck. According to the Economists’ Outlook Blog, NAR’s February 2019 Housing Affordability Index showed that the “percentage of income needed” to pay the typical mortgage has decreased the last three months.

· November – 17.3%
· December – 16.9%
· January – 16.2%
· February – 15.9%

What does this all mean to the current housing market? Grace concluded, "First American said it best in their recent post: The mortgage rate-driven affordability surge has arrived just in time… Rising affordability has already benefited home buyers and, if the lower rate environment persists, we’re in for a continuing strong home-buying season.”

ERA Justin Realty has continuously received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’. All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Real Estate was the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First and Second Time Home Buyers Among Full-Service Real Estate Firms’ Award. For these reasons, ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

For more information on CMAs, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000s of homes website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com

How Accessibility Features Can Serve Homeowners of All Ages and Abilities

We all need a helping hand from time to time, but prefer to remain as independent as possible. Accessible features in a home are a way of lending ourselves a hand, and making in our house continually comfortable.

“More members of the baby boom generation, show a preference for aging in place, in their own homes rather than moving to traditional assisted living communities. This trend has created interest in the designing and retrofitting of homes for maximum ease of use. Heightened awareness of the needs of disabled people of all ages, and increased legislative attention to their rights, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have also helped drive a trend which can benefit all homebuyers,” stated ERA Justin Realtor professional Grace Tirrito.

What has come to be called 'Universal Design' is a set of standards for making every house a welcoming home for inhabitants of all ability levels. These include placing light switches and thermostats low enough, and electrical outlets high enough, for anyone to reach; outfitting hallways with railings and showers with grab-bars and stools; replacing doorknobs with levers; offering ramps as well as stairs, and doorways that can accommodate wheelchairs; and minimizing falling risks through secure, low-pile carpeting. Attitudes and demographics have changed, and Universal Design is now considered a resale advantage. This potential extra salability can be achieved through minimal effort and expense. For instance, in many cases a room can be made wheelchair-accessible simply by changing the direction of a swinging door.

Grace continued, “The ease of doing this makes it equally desirable to build a new home with these considerations, or to retrofit an existing home with them, using simple methods that enhance convenience and are common sense for all homeowners. Talk to one of our Realtor agents about accessible-home options in any area where you may be interested in buying.  He or she can also assist about financing opportunities and other ways to keep your path to secure homeownership a clear one.”

ERA Justin Realty, a leading area Realtor brokerage serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties is a Top-100 ERA office of the global ERA real estate network and had been named the recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for 'Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.'  The awards were from a study based on responses from 4,834 home buyers and sellers surveyed by J.D. Power and Associates.

ERA Justin Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

ERA Justin Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

Negotiating a home purchase can be an arduous process. Drafting the purchase offer can take hours depending on the situation. After all that, the seller may or may not find it acceptable, and modifications may be necessary. Buyers usually focus on price when they think of striking a deal with the seller. But the purchase offer encompasses all the terms and conditions that will apply if the sale goes forward. It's a complicated legal document. Sellers often don't accept the buyer's first offer in its entirety. For instance, the seller might like the buyer's price, but not the date he wants to close the sale. Or, the buyer could ask for possession of the property when the deal closes, and the sellers might need to rent back for a while. It's common for buyers and sellers to engage in several rounds of counter offering back and forth before they arrive at a contract that's mutually acceptable. This can take days. One way to short-cut the process is through verbal negotiations.

ERA Justin Realtor agent Grace Tirrito said, “For example, sellers of a property received several offers. Two of the offers were close to what they were hoping for. Rather than countering back and forth, they asked their listing agent to talk to the real estate agents who represented the buyers who made the two best offers. The sellers wanted to know if either or both of the buyers would be willing to pay more in order to wrap up the deal. The sellers reached a verbal agreement with one of the buyers, which was promptly solidified in writing.
When house hunting, It's critical to keep in mind that verbal agreements to sell real estate aren't binding. To be legally enforceable, a contract to buy real estate must be agreed to in writing by both buyer and seller. One prospective buyer learned this lesson the hard way. He preferred to negotiate verbally with the seller for the purchase of the property. After several days of verbal negotiations, the buyer and seller reached a verbal agreement on price. The details that make up the entire purchase agreement hadn't been discussed. When the buyer finally sat down with an agent to put his offer is writing, other buyers were expressing interest in making offers. One of the other buyers did step forward with a written offer for a higher price that was presented to the seller along with the offer from the buyer who had initially made the verbal offer. The sellers happily accepted the highest offer, which was much better than the offer made by the buyer who preferred to wait to put his offer in writing.”

Tirrito continued, “Buyers and sellers often feel that negotiations about issues that are less significant than the price can be carried out with less pressure on a more casual verbal basis. But, until you have a fully ratified written contract, out of the attorney review period, you don't have a binding agreement. So, if another offer shows up before you've agreed in writing to all the terms of your purchase contract, the sellers may be under no obligation to sell to you. Even if you're diligent about committing your offer and all counteroffers to writing, both you and the sellers have the right to withdraw a counteroffer before it has been signed by the other party and acceptance has been delivered back to the party that made the counteroffer. Like in baseball it’s not over till it's over, your real estate contract isn't binding until it's signed by all parties.  Be sure to consult a knowledgeable real estate attorney if you have any questions about whether you have a binding contract."

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Tirrito.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and we don’t offer just the basics.  In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 800 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that,” she concluded.

 

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 3,000 ERA offices. All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the J.D. Power and Associates award.  Outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of the J. D. Power and Associates Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms Award.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 

 All of the ERA Justin Realtor agents 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 Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

ERA Justin Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

Negotiating a home purchase can be an arduous process. Drafting the purchase offer can take hours depending on the situation. After all that, the seller may or may not find it acceptable, and modifications may be necessary. Buyers usually focus on price when they think of striking a deal with the seller. But the purchase offer encompasses all the terms and conditions that will apply if the sale goes forward. It's a complicated legal document. Sellers often don't accept the buyer's first offer in its entirety. For instance, the seller might like the buyer's price, but not the date he wants to close the sale. Or, the buyer could ask for possession of the property when the deal closes, and the sellers might need to rent back for a while. It's common for buyers and sellers to engage in several rounds of counter offering back and forth before they arrive at a contract that's mutually acceptable. This can take days. One way to short-cut the process is through verbal negotiations.

ERA Justin Realtor agent Grace Tirrito said, “For example, sellers of a property received several offers. Two of the offers were close to what they were hoping for. Rather than countering back and forth, they asked their listing agent to talk to the real estate agents who represented the buyers who made the two best offers. The sellers wanted to know if either or both of the buyers would be willing to pay more in order to wrap up the deal. The sellers reached a verbal agreement with one of the buyers, which was promptly solidified in writing.
When house hunting, It's critical to keep in mind that verbal agreements to sell real estate aren't binding. To be legally enforceable, a contract to buy real estate must be agreed to in writing by both buyer and seller. One prospective buyer learned this lesson the hard way. He preferred to negotiate verbally with the seller for the purchase of the property. After several days of verbal negotiations, the buyer and seller reached a verbal agreement on price. The details that make up the entire purchase agreement hadn't been discussed. When the buyer finally sat down with an agent to put his offer is writing, other buyers were expressing interest in making offers. One of the other buyers did step forward with a written offer for a higher price that was presented to the seller along with the offer from the buyer who had initially made the verbal offer. The sellers happily accepted the highest offer, which was much better than the offer made by the buyer who preferred to wait to put his offer in writing.”

Tirrito continued, “Buyers and sellers often feel that negotiations about issues that are less significant than the price can be carried out with less pressure on a more casual verbal basis. But, until you have a fully ratified written contract, out of the attorney review period, you don't have a binding agreement. So, if another offer shows up before you've agreed in writing to all the terms of your purchase contract, the sellers may be under no obligation to sell to you. Even if you're diligent about committing your offer and all counteroffers to writing, both you and the sellers have the right to withdraw a counteroffer before it has been signed by the other party and acceptance has been delivered back to the party that made the counteroffer. Like in baseball it’s not over till it's over, your real estate contract isn't binding until it's signed by all parties.  Be sure to consult a knowledgeable real estate attorney if you have any questions about whether you have a binding contract."

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Tirrito.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and we don’t offer just the basics.  In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 800 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that,” she concluded.

 

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 3,000 ERA offices. All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the J.D. Power and Associates award.  Outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of the J. D. Power and Associates Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms Award.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 

 All of the ERA Justin Realtor agents 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 Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

ERA Justin Provides Pros and Cons of Verbal Real Estate Negotiations

Negotiating a home purchase can be an arduous process. Drafting the purchase offer can take hours depending on the situation. After all that, the seller may or may not find it acceptable, and modifications may be necessary. Buyers usually focus on price when they think of striking a deal with the seller. But the purchase offer encompasses all the terms and conditions that will apply if the sale goes forward. It's a complicated legal document. Sellers often don't accept the buyer's first offer in its entirety. For instance, the seller might like the buyer's price, but not the date he wants to close the sale. Or, the buyer could ask for possession of the property when the deal closes, and the sellers might need to rent back for a while. It's common for buyers and sellers to engage in several rounds of counter offering back and forth before they arrive at a contract that's mutually acceptable. This can take days. One way to short-cut the process is through verbal negotiations.

ERA Justin Realtor agent Grace Tirrito said, “For example, sellers of a property received several offers. Two of the offers were close to what they were hoping for. Rather than countering back and forth, they asked their listing agent to talk to the real estate agents who represented the buyers who made the two best offers. The sellers wanted to know if either or both of the buyers would be willing to pay more in order to wrap up the deal. The sellers reached a verbal agreement with one of the buyers, which was promptly solidified in writing.
When house hunting, It's critical to keep in mind that verbal agreements to sell real estate aren't binding. To be legally enforceable, a contract to buy real estate must be agreed to in writing by both buyer and seller. One prospective buyer learned this lesson the hard way. He preferred to negotiate verbally with the seller for the purchase of the property. After several days of verbal negotiations, the buyer and seller reached a verbal agreement on price. The details that make up the entire purchase agreement hadn't been discussed. When the buyer finally sat down with an agent to put his offer is writing, other buyers were expressing interest in making offers. One of the other buyers did step forward with a written offer for a higher price that was presented to the seller along with the offer from the buyer who had initially made the verbal offer. The sellers happily accepted the highest offer, which was much better than the offer made by the buyer who preferred to wait to put his offer in writing.”

Tirrito continued, “Buyers and sellers often feel that negotiations about issues that are less significant than the price can be carried out with less pressure on a more casual verbal basis. But, until you have a fully ratified written contract, out of the attorney review period, you don't have a binding agreement. So, if another offer shows up before you've agreed in writing to all the terms of your purchase contract, the sellers may be under no obligation to sell to you. Even if you're diligent about committing your offer and all counteroffers to writing, both you and the sellers have the right to withdraw a counteroffer before it has been signed by the other party and acceptance has been delivered back to the party that made the counteroffer. Like in baseball it’s not over till it's over, your real estate contract isn't binding until it's signed by all parties.  Be sure to consult a knowledgeable real estate attorney if you have any questions about whether you have a binding contract."

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Tirrito.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and we don’t offer just the basics.  In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 800 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that,” she concluded.

 

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 3,000 ERA offices. All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the J.D. Power and Associates award.  Outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of the J. D. Power and Associates Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms Award.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 

 All of the ERA Justin Realtor agents 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 1st half 2015 Leadership Circle Achievers

Share Knowledge on Timely Topics

 

In addition to being the ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers for January through June 2015, Carol D. Calamari, Cathy Vick, Grace Tirrito, Kristen Davis, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Glenn Elliot, Morgan DePalma and Ilene Harpuder  have all offered their knowledge to North Jersey Newspaper readers on a variety of topics. Throughout the year topics offered included, Moving And How It Affects Children, How Renters Can Become Buyers, Dollar For Dollar Return On Renovations, Empty Nesters And Returning Children, Avoiding The Money Pit, as well as other timely articles for buyers and sellers.

Although showing and selling real estate is a 365 day and night job for these ERA Justin Realty Realtor agents, their responsibilities go beyond what the public sees.  The firm has a vast resource library of important topics to share with the public.  These market leaders and their brokers, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always busy advising homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their homes. 

Darby added, “Our CMA report for our Sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it makes pricing easier for those planning a sale.  Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. Proof of our abilities for our clients and customers shows in these fine award achievers.”

For more information on CMAs, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000's of homes websites atwww.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN ACHIEVERS POINT WAY TO SPRING AND SUMMER SALES

ERA Justin Realty's first quarter 2015 top sales and listing achievers. Standing L to R: Grace Tirrito, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi. Seated: Carol D. Calamari, Glenn Elliot and Kristen Davis.

 

ERA JUSTIN ACHIEVERS POINT WAY TO SPRING AND SUMMER SALES

Flowers  blooming, lawns greening, leaves on the trees and ERA Justin Realty with strong real estate listings and sales. This is the time when families focus on real estate, but the first question asked is, “How do I price my house?”

 

Ask the ERA Justin Realty first quarter 2015 award achievers, and the answer you will most likely hear over and over again is "realistically.” Ask any of the Leadership Circle achievers who provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will have the answers to your real estate questions.  They include Grace Tirrito, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Glenn Elliot and Kristen Davis

 

 "If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future and want to know for how much it could sell, then contact a real estate sales professional at our firm and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value,” recommends both Grace Tirrito and Peggy McLaughlin. 

 

“The fair market value of a house is the highest price an informed buyer will pay.  A homeowner's asking price is the advertised price of a house when it goes on the market and may be slightly higher than the fair market value because it is assumed that some negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with a Buyer,” added Fara Espandi and Carol D. Calamari.

 

Glenn Elliot added, “To get an estimate of the fair market value, a homeowner can call our ERA Justin Realty sales team. Our service is provided free of charge and without obligation.”
"In conducting a CMA, our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals have access to a wide array of information, such as databases containing recent listing and selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhood, and how long these homes took to sell. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner understand what today's changing markets mean for his or her home, and will provide a realistic figure of the home's fair market value.  If a home is then put on the market, our sales professionals will use the CMA to help the homeowner establish a selling marketing program. The CMA information is very helpful in determining the true value of a house and the right asking price. In the end, however, the homeowner should decide on a price that he or she feels is competitive and consistent with the price at which other houses in the area have sold,” said Kristen Davis.

 

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “Our CMA report for our Sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it makes pricing easier for those planning a sale.  Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.  Proof of our abilities for our clients and customers shows in these fine award achievers, honored during the first quarter of 2015 for their production.”

 

For more information on CMAs, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY HONORS LEADERS AT 2014 YEAR-END

4th Quarter ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers. L to R: Grace Tirrito, Michelle Tirrito, Carol D. Calamari, Fara Espandi, Cathy Vick and Julia Dagistanli

 

ERA JUSTIN REALTY HONORS LEADERS AT 2014 YEAR-END

 Bergen County, New Jersey:  Focus for clients and customers are the force that motivates the staff of active sales professionals at ERA Justin Realty.  In fact the firm tracks continuing activity of 100 real estate firms who service the vast reaches of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties and ERA Justin Realty has again proven itself to be an area real estate leader in 2014. The firm has also been the #1 firm in closed Rutherford sales for the past consecutive 14 years.

The firm's top ERA Leadership Circle achievers for the third quarter of 2014 are Grace Tirrito, Michelle Korosy, Carol D. Calamari, Fara Espandi, Cathy Vick and Julia Dagistanli. The top producers for the entire year includes Realtor sales agents Glenn Elliot, Cathy Vick, Carol D. Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Peggy Mc Laughlin, Rosemarie Zembryski, Michelle Korosy, Grace Tirrito and Julia Dagistanli who all  know the secrets to real estate success; focus and hard work.

It is easy for these sales professionals who are part of the ERA Justin Realty team.  Simply watch them day after day, month after month, year after year.  They are focused on exceeding the needs of their sellers and buyers, the rest comes easy, even in this current real estate economy.

They have also offered their knowledge to readers of North Jersey Newspapers on a variety of topics.  Throughout the year topics included, Moving And How It Affects Children, How Renters Can Become Buyers, Dollar For Dollar Return On Renovations, Empty Nesters And Returning Children, Avoiding The Money Pit, as well as other timely articles for buyers and sellers.

Recently announced, ERA Justin Realty continues as a top ERA nationwide firm for their services throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” stated broker owner Ron Darby.  “Attending on-going advanced training, seminars, round-table discussions with industry leaders and focus groups are what we continually do at our firm, much more than many other area real estate firms.  We believe, in order to exceed sellers expectations of what a Realtor professional is about, we don’t learn just the basics.  We want to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of us.  In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  To prove that our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report nearly 800 quotes and reviews from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.”

For more information about these real estate market leaders and on real estate, simply inquire and they will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of your house. You will then have the answers to your real estate questions. Consumers can reach them at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Give Peace-of-Mind

ERA Justin Realtor agent Grace Tirrito, with decades of real estate experience in residential real estate sales throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties began her career with Auteri Realty and now for years as an award winning agent with ERA Justin Realty. She shares  how home protection plans safeguard a buyer or seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down.

 

ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Give Peace-of-Mind

Rutherford:  Everyone has his or her own "house horror story." The Sheffield's saga began just days after they moved into their new home and continued throughout the first year. The pool pump broke, the built-in vacuum stopped working, and most devastating, the air conditioning system ceased operating on the first day of the summer heat wave. Thereafter, the Sheffield home was nicknamed  "The Money Pit." 
Fortunately, the Sheffield's had the forethought to purchase a home protection plan from their ERA real estate firm, which covered all or some of the costs of repairing or replacing the broken home components.

 

Grace Tirrito, ERA-Justin Realtor agent said, “The Sheffield's story repeats itself thousands of times a day across the country.  It is for that reason that ERA-Justin Realty has the ERA Home Protection Plan program available for both our Buyers and Sellers.”
Grace continued, “A home protection plan safeguards a Buyer or Seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down. The ERA Buyer Protection Plan and Seller Protection Plan are fully insured and administered by warranty services and provide replacement coverage as well as comprehensive repair of major mechanical systems and appliances such as air conditioning, heating and electrical systems, interior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters and accessible ductwork, subject to a small deductible per service call. Ask to see the most current plan details as the ERA Buyer Protection Plan is subject to certain terms and conditions and varies for single and multi-family homes.

For Sellers, a home protection plan adds value to their home sale and protects them at a time when they would rather not make major investments in their property. It has been reported that on average, homes listed with a warranty sell more rapidly than homes listed without a home warranty. The ERA Protection Plan goes one step further by covering the Seller for up to six months provided that the Seller agrees to purchase the plan at a nominal fee for the Buyer. It's a win-win situation for the Seller having protection in place while the house is on the market for sale.
For Buyers in New Jersey, the ERA Protection Plan provides coverage generally for a year after the purchase on resale homes and, on new homes, the second through the fifth year of ownership (a builder's warranty generally provides protection for the first year). 
If one considers that the most costly purchase in life is generally one's house, a home protection plan is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to insure oneself against the unexpected.

 

“There is a difference in real estate companies, and our ERA Protection Plans are perfect examples. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate firm is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, and we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard,” she added.

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger broker co-owner added, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase.  We live it every day.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received several prestigious ERA global awards, the ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ as well as the 'Circle of Light for Community Service" award, the only firm from approximately 31,000 ERA brokers and agents. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice over the past 64 years. Our team would love to be your Realtor."

 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service sales professionals 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology also information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

 

ERA JUSTIN REALTY'S GRACE TIRRITO SHARES REAL ESTATE RESULTS

Grace Tirrito having been a career Realtor salesperson throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties for years, receives continuing Reviews from her buyers and sellers and is proud to share them. Always ready to be of assistance, she will tell you that there is a difference in real estate companies and she and ERA Justin Realty is always there for you.

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“Grace Was excellent! She went above and beyond the call of duty. She made the wholeprocess of selling our home very easy for us.”

Lisa Boccassini

“Terrific, professionalism all around!”

Mike J. Monahan

“Grace was honest, reliable, efficient and very friendly. She helped us make an intelligent buy.  Thank you GRACE !”

Mr. & Mrs. Torino

                       

“Grace was wonderful! I would recommend her to any of my family or friends.”

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“Thank you!  We had the pleasure of having grace handle our purchase, four years ago and now, she was terrific with our sale. I highly recommend her!”

Couraud

“A great agent! Grace is an excellent agent, she is clever in doing her job, and also very persuasive and the nicest person I’ve met.”

Samia Ibrhim

“Grace is very caring, called and always there night and day.  Loved her.

I would recommend her to a friend or family member.”

Mario Sciancalepore

“Grace was such a pleasant woman, she went out of her way to keep bringing us back to the home we wanted to buy. We kept on wanting to see different things about the home and she put up with us. She sold our other house in 2 weeks and made the transaction smooth. We would recommend Grace & your company to all of our family and friends.”

Maryann Kazmierski

“We are very pleased in our purchase in Rutherford. Grace Tirritio made us feel very comfortable and was always ready to talk to us when we called.  She is very friendly, thorough and truly understands what she is selling. She was also honest with us from day one. She helped us make an intelligent choice. If we were to look for another house for personal or business use, we would go back to Grace for her caring advice.”

Alfonzo & Silva Torino

“Thank you for sending us this letter after I purchased my home, I was buried under so much work as you can guess – a new home buyer for first time and excited, I was planning to write you a special thank you letter about the wonderful job Grace Tirritio did for my family. Due to her professional approach, honest behavior, good advice and full cooperation from the first day until last, I became an owner, and will never forget that.

With the help of Grace, I bought my first home. Thank you Grace & ERA !!”

Necmi Murat

“I would use Grace’s services again when buying or selling a home.  I would recommend her to a friend or family member.”

Giorgio Turano

“What influenced me to do business with an ERA sales associate was the newspaper ads and I am very satisfied. I would use this associate again in buying or selling a home.” 

Mr. Matino

“Grace promised us our perfect home and was relentless until she found it.” 

Mr. And Mrs. Roelson

“Grace listed and sold our home within the first week, truly the right choice.  We highly recommend her!”

Miriam and Enrique Dovalo

“Grace adds a real ‘personal touch’ when she transacts business deals.” 

Ida Gencarelli

“Mrs. Tirrito was a great help, always available for questions and concerns.  She was a pleasure to work with and we are very grateful.” 

Grace Pesz

“Yes, yes, yes Grace was excellent in all areas.” 

Keith Matino and Patricia Bartone

  

“Grace left her relatives 50th birthday party to show us a house. She always returned calls and went the extra mile.  She also stopped by our house a couple of weeks after the moving in to say hello and give us a house warming Christmas present.” 

Richard Rieger

“What level best describes my overall satisfaction?  She kept me informed, located my home, followed-up and more.” 

Kamraa Mahmoudarabi

“She is the best Realtor I’ve ever dealt with.  Always very helpful and available. 

Not pushy, like other sales people.  Personally, I recommended her to a few of my friends looking for a house.” 

Grazyni Fese

“Grace and all of your other agents are very honest and anxious to please in every matter.  In my opinion, they are the best in town.” 

Mr. and Mrs. Tabachuk

“Grace turned a business deal into a friendship for life.”

Caroline Borgers

“Grace Tirrito is a friend and she put all her efforts to find the house I like. Thank you.”

Nicola Armount

“Grace Tirrito gave extra care and was exceptional in every way. Went out of her way to help find and complete the deal. Great person you should be proud of.”

Acosto Arb

“Kept me informed every step of the way.”

Stanislawa Paszuda

“Grace for us was the most professional agent. We regard her as  # 1”

Gaetano Correnti

“Grace is very warm, personal thorough and efficient sales representative. I always felt like she was really there for me, no matter how small my concern.”

Rose Ann Gaudio

“It has been a wonderful experience working with Grace.”

Mr. & Mrs. Esiely

“My husband and I were very satisfied with our agent Grace. She is truly knowledgeable of the process and goes out of her way to accommodate the customer’s needs. Grace was always available to accommodate our schedules in person and over the phone.  We highly recommend Ms. Tirrito and would readily use her again in the future.”

Andreas Couraud

“Grace Tirrito is exceptional, we have dealt with her in the past and if the opportunity should arise, she would be the first one we would call. She really knows the business and works hard, Can’t say enough good things about her, Very professional !”

Estate of Eleanor Saamundsen

“Grace was invaluable with all she did to help get my 97 year old mother’s house ready for sale.  We were able to move my Mom to AL knowing that the house was in Grace’s capable hands.”

Mary Castiglia/Camille Zbuchalski

“Grace had amazing patience during this process.  Always proactive and very knowledgeable of properties.”

Charles Leon

“Grace was very responsive and supportive through an extremely difficult situation.”

Jack and Paul Burns

"Grace was always very responsive and prompt in getting answers to our questions. As first-time home buyers she educated and advised us as well. We appreciate her very much."

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