WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR HOME INSPECTION

A proper home inspection is the best way to purchase a property that’s not a home improvement nightmare. Before you purchase a home, hire an inspector to make sure the structure is sound and there aren’t any major defects.

An inspection helps buyers identify serious issues with a house, condo, townhouse or other type of home. Some lenders require home inspections before they’ll approve closing on a mortgage loan. ERA Justin Realty Sales Associate, Jennifer Sullivan, offers a few tips on preparing for a home inspection:

Get Multiple Recommendations

Make sure you get a few recommendations of qualified inspectors from your real estate agent, attorney, friends, family, neighbors or the American Society of Home Inspectors. Interview the inspector to find out how they work, what their training is, if they are licensed and insured and how they communicate with their customers.

Attend the Inspection 

After the inspection is complete, buyers will get a report from the inspector. Many people don’t realize they can be at the inspection or think they will “leave it up to the professional” to make recommendations. Make sure you are present for the home inspection and be prepared to ask questions and point out specific problems you’d like to check out further. Although he is the expert, this will be the first time your home inspector has been at the property, so any knowledge of potential issues you have will be invaluable to point out.

 

Ask Questions

The reason you hired a home inspector is because this person has the necessary knowledge to evaluate whether or not this property has any issues that would make purchasing the property a bad decision. If you don’t understand what the inspector just told you, ask for clarification. A good inspector will answer all of your questions and should explain what s/he is doing as they are walking through the property. It’s better to ask a question now than have an issue arise after you’ve purchased the property.

Don’t Focus on Small Issues

Whether the home is new construction or 70 years old, there is a strong likelihood that the inspector will find items to list on their report. Each home will have things that an inspector feels could be updated or modified, but that does not mean it is a pending problem or you should kill the deal. The main point of the report is to learn if the home has any major structural problems or if any of the major systems are in need of extensive repair (think plumbing, electrical or HVAC). It is not a wise idea to ask a seller to replace every burned-out light bulb or cracked electrical outlet cover, remove all the wallpaper or credit you for these items.

Determine which battles are worth fighting and which items can be handled at a later date and take your concerns to your real estate agent for negotiation. Sullivan states, “Making unnecessary home inspection repair requests can lead the seller to look at other offers that may be on the table”. 

Jennifer Sullivan is a Realtor Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. Jennifer or any of our full time agents can be reached at 201.939.7500 to discuss any of your real estate needs.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY 2018 LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ACHIEVERS

2018 was a successful real estate year with affordable sales prices for qualified buyers.  The ERA Justin Realty staff of Realtor agents have worked diligently with sellers and buyers to continue to be a strong real estate agents and brokers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Essex and Ocean Counties and being the #1 office in Rutherford closed transactions for 18 consecutive years; statistics provided by the New Jersey MLS.

Ask the ERA Justin Realty 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th  quarter award achievers, how important is proper house pricing and the answer you will hear over and over is realistically. Ask any of these Leadership Circle achievers who will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will receive the answers to your real estate questions.  They include Michelle Korosy, Joana Iliescu, Julia Dagistanli, Lee Schilare, Jennifer Sullivan, Fara Espandi, Peggy McLaughlin and Carol Calamari.

 Ron Darby, Broker stated, “If you are thinking of selling your house and want to know realistic pricing, you may contact one of our Realtor sales agents and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value. Our service is provided free of charge and without obligation.  In conducting a CMA, we have access to a wide array of information, such as databases containing recent listing and selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhoods, and how long these houses took to sell. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner reach a realistic  fair market value.  When the house is put on the market we will use the CMA to help the homeowner establish a selling marketing program. The CMA information is helpful in determining the market value of the 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 prices other houses in the area have sold.  Our CMA report for our sellers is truly comprehensive. 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 are 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 being honored.”

For more information, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue and our Hoboken Meet and Greet location. 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 OFFERS NATIONWIDE RELOCATION SERVICES

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS NATIONWIDE RELOCATION SERVICES 

Jennifer Sullivan, a sales professional Realtor agent with ERA-Justin Realty shares the firm’s relocation services.  “In today's real estate market, nearly half of all homebuyers relocate from out of town. Whether moving across the country, or just across the state, relocating to a new community can be a unique experience for everyone in a family. With corporate transfers, company down-sizings and moves to meet family needs on the rise, relocation services have expanded their scope.”

“ERA-Justin Realty created a market niche for itself as a relocation specialist, when ERA Real Estate was the only company to electronically transfer listings to relocating buyers, as part of the ERA national network" stated Jennifer.

This type of cutting edge technology helped to establish and maintain the company's reputation as a technology leader in the real estate industry. Today, ERA-Justin Realty continues to serve the needs of transferees by training its sales agents on how to best serve this special market and direct relocations for their clients, in conjunction with extensive home buying information on their 1000's of homes website, www.ERAJustin.com .

To help buyers who are relocating determine the general area in which they would like to live, ERA's  national website, www.ERA.com  features multi-thousands of home listings and allows users to research detailed information about those communities. Buyers can learn about the styles of homes in an area and how much house their money can buy in different neighborhoods. "Finding a highly qualified, knowledgeable, local Realtor who knows the area can simplify the process of relocating, and having staff that lives in the area and knows the nuances of the community is very important," according to Jennifer.

"Our sales professionals begin by interviewing transferees about the community from which they are moving in order to find out what they liked best about that community and what qualities they value, so that we can recommend a community which encompasses these qualities," she added.

Working with both incoming buyers and local corporations in need of relocation services for their employees, corporations like the products that a quality full-service real estate company like ERA-Justin Realty has to offer, coupled with their high level of customer service, which they, as an independently owned and operated company can provide. Many home sellers, recognizing the benefits that ERA Justin Realty has to offer in relocation services and list their homes with the firm for greater showing exposure. They like the fact that their home with color photos and details are exposed worldwide through ERA Justin's many internet sites.

Jennifer concluded, “Our sales professionals can be reached at either of our Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. We are just a phone call away, and always here for you.”

ERA Justin Realty's 2018 Five Star Home Professionals

Catherine Nimmo, Michelle Korosy, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Jennifer Sullivan

ERA Justin Realty's 2018 Five Star Home Professionals

Focus for buyers and sellers are the force that motivates the staff of active Realtor salespersons at ERA Justin Realty. In fact, the firm tracks continuing activity of 100 real estate firms who service the vast reaches of area communities and ERA Justin Realty has again proven itself to be an area real estate market leader. Six outstanding Realtor agents have been cited as 2018 Five Star Home Professionals in New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Five Star Professional partnered with New Jersey Monthly Magazine to identify real estate professionals in the New Jersey area who deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction. The Five Star Professional research team contacted thousands of recent home buyers, as well as other consumers. Phone, mail and on-line respondents rated their service professional on criteria such as overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the professional to a friend.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner proudly offered, "An incredible honor to have our salespersons awarded in New Jersey Monthly Magazine. These honors are incredible. We are so very proud of Catherine Nimmo, Michelle Korosy, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis and Jennifer Sullivan for their efforts, service to their buyers and sellers and the communities they serve throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties."

Continuing, Darby said, "These fine professionals currently awarded have also earned with their teammates the elite Circle of Light for Community Service Award which was presented at the ERA global business conference in Los Angeles, California. For our sellers and buyers, ERA Justin Realty has compiled our What People Are Saying presentation of 900 testimonials and reviews regarding our services."

For upcoming Spring 2018 our winners will be pleased to provide a current market price analysis of your home at no cost or obligation. The report features current homes on the market, homes that have sold and closed, and details as to the current value of your home. It will also give specifics as to what a seller may do to make it more marketable. Invite them in, it will be well rewarding for your sales process.

They and their entire team can be reached at either of their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenueand their Hoboken Meet & Greet location at 221 River Street, Hoboken. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. View 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

JENNIFER SULLIVAN JOINS ERA JUSTIN REALTY

JENNIFER  SULLIVAN JOINS ERA JUSTIN REALTY

Jennifer Sullivan previously from upstate NY, Hoboken and now a resident of Rutherford for six years is married to Dennis Sullivan.  She is a busy mom to their triplets Molly, Madeline and Tess.

Enjoying her successful 5 years affiliation with Stella & Dot in sales, and responsible for more than 2,000 client relationships training and coaching a team of 100 sales representatives, Jennifer knew it was time to blend her knowledge and success to relationships with ERA Justin Realty.

Jennifer successfully serves the buying and selling needs of those she knows and about to meet, through her outreach to new clients and customers who she will work with. Her previous 10 years experience in the Digital Advertising industry included Media Manager with Digitas.com and National Ad Sales Director at Realtor.com. Responsible for managing national accounts and working on both the buying and selling side of the business, prepped her for handling high stakes negotiations with confidence and professionalism. Jennifer is excited to bring all of her high tech/high touch sales experience to ERA Justin Realty. 

“Dealing honestly, openly and having pride in the service you provide, your customers and clients will respect and have trust in you,” said Jennifer.

 Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner said, "Jennifer Sullivan thrives in her sales and service oriented role where she can be face-to-face with people and help them with their needs. She's a social person and enjoys getting to know people from all areas of life; so perfect for the real estate industry. We know her to be self-motivated. She truly is passionate in getting things done timely and professionally."

 Ron Darby, broker co-owner added, "As our industry advances in a technical sense, Jennifer is tech-savvy and has a desire to modernize the client relationship as needed by using all tools available. She stays current and in touch with the next generation of millennial buyers, a necessity as our industry advances."

 “There is a difference in real estate companies,” added Jennifer.  “ERA Justin Realty is a highly respected and reputable community real estate agency serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties. Their leadership and staff is top-in-class and provides a positive culture which made my decision so easy to be part of their team.”

 Darby concluded, "We are proud to know that Jennifer joined ERA Justin Realty because of our reputation as one of the leading Bergen County real estate firms. We create outstanding marketing for all of our homes for sale as well asstrong marketing for all of our Realtor agents. We have created a powerful ERA Justin Realty brand, known and loved throughout the area since 1950 and we grow with recommendations and referrals from our buyers and sellers. Proudly, we offer our publication for review, 'What People Are Saying', including nearly 800 reviews and testimonials from our buyers and sellers."

Metzger added, “We are pleased to have Jennifer join us. She will focus on customer relocation, first-time and repeat buyers, sellers and listening.  Yes, listening is what we do at our firm.  When one listens to our buyers and sellers needs and requirements and then follow-up with the smallest details, success will come easy for Jennifer.”

ERA Justin Realty is continually honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm from all ERA offices and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award.  For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately.  Our ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ package has been structured so agents have a sense of pride in receiving strong opportunities and other benefits which they deserve in this new age of real estate.”

Jennifer can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500 and (201) 438-0588.  Also view 1000's of homes at www.ERAJustin.com andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com. Reach her by cell phone at (201) 290-8834.