ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Attend Triple Play Business Conference

ERA Justin Realtor professionals recently attended the Triple Play business conference at Atlantic City. Standing is Adrian Tridel, Denise Leonessa, Cathy Vick, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Wayne Kubs, Glenn Elliot and Ron Darby  Seated is Allyson Kubs and Carol Darby.

             ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Attend Triple Play Business Conference

ERA Justin Realty Brokers, Ron Darby, Jennifer Darby Metzger and Carol Darby attended the December 2012 regional Realtor business conference with a group of their Realtor professionals.  Attending with them was Adrian Tridel, Denise Leonessa, Cathy Vick, Wayne Kubs, Glenn Elliot and Allyson Kubs.

The New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania associations of Realtors joined together to build referral bases, develop new success strategies and discover innovative tools for Realtors to serve the needs of their buyers and sellers in their local marketing areas.

Members of the ERA Justin Realty listing and sales team completed days of intense training, educational seminars and learning new and updated laws governing real estate relationships to properly serve the needs of their buyers and sellers.

The business conference was attended by thousands of dedicated Realtor professionals, held at the Atlantic City convention center.  Those they serve expect the ERA Justin Realty organization to be focused on education to keep them knowledgeable and to provide superior services in a constant changing real estate environment.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker said, "All Realtors today face the challenges of legal matters, technologies that change daily, real estate transfer matters and action based plans to assist our sellers for a successful sale in an ever-changing real estate market."

Carol Darby, Broker added, "Real estate licensing laws require continuous updating of our education so we are positioned to properly serve in New Jersey. All of our team have completed their 2012 educational requirements and look forward to their responsibilities to their sellers and buyers."

Ron Darby, the firm’s Broker of Record concluded, “There is a difference in real estate companies and we feel we need to have the most up-to-date information so our Realtor professionals can continue to be on the cutting-edge of education for our sellers and buyers. In this way, we are confident we are doing the best for them. We are thankful that our firm is held in high regard and offer our publication of reviews about our company, Real Estate Results in Writing, a history of nearly 800 written testimonials from our sellers and buyers.”

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor professionals can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone they can be reached at  (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.

ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Offer The Joys of Historic Homes

 

Cathy Vick a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty reviews the joys of historic homes. She with others at the firm are certified and can guide with answers.  The firm has served Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties in real estate purchases and sales since 1950.

 

                       ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Offer The Joys of Historic Homes

Most of us appreciate the aesthetic value of historic homes, and have even been known to fall in love with them from time to time.

Many Realtors at ERA Justin Realty Co. have partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to increase educational outreach centering on the preservation of historic properties. Having this designation makes them familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, highlighting both high-style and vernacular buildings ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate row houses to modest Queen Anne cottages and mail-order bungalows.

Studying the work of authentic geniuses such as Henry Hobson Richardson, offbeat eccentrics such as Orson Squire Howler and Italian architects such as Andrea Palladio, their certifications focused on the Old World roots of American design.  This knowledge helps them to understand how the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe are reflected in a "gingerbread" house in Maine, how Thomas Jefferson's "love affair" with a Roman temple helped spark a national mania for Greek buildings and how the flat Midwestern landscape shaped Frank Lloyd Wright's bold Prairie Style. This in-depth knowledge gives these ERA Justin professionals the ability to characterize Old World features of a home that properly positions a historic home in today’s marketplace.

ERA Justin Realtor Cathy Vick, speaking for the group said, “Real estate professionals like to offer as many kinds of properties to prospective customers as there are different personalities of buyers. And few real estate properties have more personality than a historic home.  By the standards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, any structure at least 50 years old may qualify for historic-landmark status. This is determined by a home or other building's demonstration of particularly significant architectural features or now-rare styles, or its role in important past activities or events such as famous inventions, once-pivotal industries, presidential birthplaces or visits, etc.”

She continued,  “Such homes, although wonderful, present challenges, as restoring the historic character to a possibly-neglected house can be a costly and time-consuming effort. But there's much to be said for the personal satisfaction of remaking a house by your own effort, and restoring an example of America's past that can help keep us mindful and proud of our heritage. Also, where there are historic homes there are likely to be whole historic neighborhoods, which preserve and offer to the homebuyer just the kind of old-fashioned community qualities that today's home-seekers are craving and today's developers are trying to re-create.

 

If your home is on or considered eligible for local, state or national registers of historic places, various rules will be in effect for building materials, renovations, and uses of the structure which most fit the historical period in which it was built. Although these requirements can be an inconvenience, many states offer tax and other incentives for owning and rehabilitating historic homes found to meet historic-preservation officials' criteria. And owners of homes on government registers of historic places still have broad latitude in selling, altering and using their property.”

This ERA Justin Realty group are qualified real estate professionals who can help guide you through this rewarding but complicated area through their association with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Several have been certified in recognizing and appreciating the diverse styles of historic homes, and understanding the challenges faced and advantages available to customers wishing to buy and sell such properties.

 

The ERA Justin Realty full service real estate 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.SellBergenCounty.com

Min (Steve) Yi Realtor Professional Joins ERA Justin Realty

Min (Steve) Yi has recently joined the team at ERA Justin Realtors. The company on the grow has brought on-board seven new Realtor professionals recently All look forward in 2013 as a strong year for real estate in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties.

                                    Min (Steve) Yi Realtor Professional Joins ERA Justin Realty

“I believe to achieve success a hardworking, knowledgeable and experienced Realtor is needed. I pride myself on my abilities to work hard for my buyers and sellers, ” stated Realtor professional Min (Steve) Yi of ERA Justin Realty.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker stated, “Steve's financial training for over 15 years and his background parallels our business philosophy, that our buyers and sellers will benefit from him and provide customer satisfaction. He is fluent in Korean. In his free time away from the office, as a husband and dad, he enjoys golf, camping with the family and attending swim practice and meets with his son."

Steve added, “I enjoy what I do providing for my family and to work hard in my career as a real estate professional and to assist buyers and sellers so they can make educated decisions regarding their homes in our communities.  ERA Justin Realty is well known to have an outstanding and high volume ‘business model’ as a state-of-the-art real estate industry leader. To become one of the best, you learn from the best. I specialize in first time buyer purchases, relocation for those moving within the state or across the nation and helping those in need in this ever-changing real estate market. Responsibility, I believe, is the key to success in a service industry. It entails reliability and trust. This motivates me to give 110%.

A Rutherford resident since 2004, Steve resides with his wife Judy, daughter Megan, a senior and a son Andrew a freshman at Rutherford High School who played Little League Baseball and Travel Soccer.

“ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, selected from ERA brokers and agents numbering approximately 30,000, and Steve will be part of this continuing effort,” added Jennifer.

For more information, and to speak with Steve about real estate needs, consumers can reach him and the other ERA Justin Realtor professionals 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 PROVIDES INSIGHT ON SELLING YOUR VACANT HOUSE

June Incorvaia, a full-time Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty is active in real estate listings and sales transactions throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. Since 1950 the firm, a market-leader has generated thousands of real estate transactions.

 

  ERA JUSTIN REALTY PROVIDES INSIGHT ON SELLING YOUR VACANT HOUSE

   

One of the first things you should do if you're thinking about selling is to walk through your house and examine it with a critical eye. Imagine yourself as a buyer and force yourself to make a mental note of all the imperfections you've ignored for years.  Don't be surprised if you're overwhelmed by what you see.

June Incorvaia, ERA Justin Realtor suggests, “Painting and floor refurbishing are good ideas. Renewing the interior surfaces of your home when you sell is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to increase your ability to sell in this ever-changing market. Buyers usually are more attracted to homes that are in move-in condition. However, selling a vacant home could result in a lower net return. The main reason for this is that first impressions play a big part in selling homes. When buyers walk into a home that looks bright, inviting and comfortable, they feel good. When most buyers walk into a vacant home, they feel that something is missing. Many people have a hard time imagining what a vacant home will look like when it's furnished. For these buyers, a vacant house poses a problem. They walk into an empty living room and start worrying about how they'd furnish it. It can be a stressful experience.”

 She continued, “Home buying is stressful enough without having to worry about how the floor plan works and which room is used for what. A strategically furnished house creates a more pleasurable viewing experience and reduces the stress of buying. Granted, some buyers, such as architects and designers, have the ability to conceptualize in three-dimension. Some experienced buyers have moved so many times that they've developed the knack of visualizing their furniture in an empty space. But, you are likely to sell your home more quickly if you can appeal to the entire pool of prospective buyers, not just those who have a particular expertise. You can certainly sell your home vacant. Virtually everything sells at a price. The question is how much more could you sell your home for if it was attractively furnished?” 

Dian Hymer, author of House Hunting, The Take-Along Workbook for Home Buyers and Starting Out, The Complete Home Buyer's Guide, wrote, “A listing in the Oakland Hills (Calif.) was put on the market last fall. It had a great view, but was vacant. It did not sell after months on the market during a time when all well-priced listings in the area were selling. The listing was temporarily withdrawn from the market and staged with rental furniture and accessories. It was put back on the market at the same price and sold right away.”

The cost of staging your home for sale may seem prohibitive, but it needn't be. Many sellers who stage their homes for sale use their own furniture after removing outdated pieces and rearranging the rest. Tattered draperies can be removed and often don't need to be replaced, unless they cover an unsightly or distracting outlook. For selling purposes, it's important to let in as much light as possible. It's a good idea to consult with a someone who is knowledgeable in staging homes for sale. A stager can arrange to bring in furniture if you decide that's what you need. To keep costs down, you may be able to create an inviting ambiance without furnishing your entire house or condo. The living and dining room, kitchen, family room and master bedroom are the most important places to concentrate your staging efforts. And always remember to de-clutter by removing the dozens of personal photos and other items.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” offered ERA Justin Realty Broker, Jennifer Darby Metzger.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as 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 700 reviews and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

 June and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Gifting The Family Home

ERA Justin Realty brings helpful topics to Bergenite readers. Ron Darby, broker co-owner offers tips and hints about gifting the family home. The firm serves buyers and sellers in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties and are celebrating their 62 years in area real estate.

 

                           ERA Justin Realty Report:  Gifting The Family Home

“If you are getting ready to move out of your longtime home and into more sunshine, you can actually gift your home to a child or friend but that gift will come with a few strings attached. In many countries around the world, once the parents die, the children simply move into the home and take over the master bedroom. While that progression still occurs in the United States, estate taxes, home values, job transfers, and the desire for a separate space and different environment have changed the use of the traditional family home. The bottom line is that the home has evolved from basic shelter to the average person's most valuable possession. It needs to be carefully protected, guarded, and even nursed along--much like the responsibilities that took place within the home itself. And the financial value is usually accompanied by priceless memories and experiences, making the family home beyond doubt the ultimate asset.”  This is information brought forth by author Tom Kelly in his book "Real Estate for Boomers and Beyond,” reported ERA Justin Realty’s broker co-owner Ron Darby, his firm awarded for their commitment to excellence from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents.

Darby stated, “First and foremost, your child or friend's basis in the house will be what you paid for the property, plus major improvements. Because this cost you paid years ago may be lower than today's home value, there's a chance tax will be owed on a subsequent sale. Carefully note that tax laws change and everyone should review their specific situation with their tax advisor for the most current laws and tax information.”

Kelly’s book states, “For example, if you purchased your home in 1970 for $60,000 and it is now worth $450,000, your child's basis would be $60,000 if you chose to transfer the home to the child as a gift. If the married child sells the home 10 years down the road for $760,000, their tax liability would be on $200,000 ($760,000 minus the $60,000 basis, minus the $500,000 exclusion for married couples). Taxpayers in the 15 percent tax bracket would thus owe the Internal Revenue Service approximately $30,000 in capital gains tax. The actual gain is the difference between the adjusted sales price (selling price less selling expenses) and the adjusted basis. The adjusted basis is the original cost plus capital improvements. Capital improvements are the cost of improvements having a useful life of more than one year. Examples include the new roof, dock, deck, remodeled bathroom, and finished basement. Generally, an expense is a capital improvement if it adds value to the property or extends its useful life. If these criteria are not met and the expenditure is considered necessary to maintain current usefulness, it is a maintenance cost.

The outright gift would also reduce your lifetime gift tax and estate tax exemptions. While the limits on both the lifetime gift tax and estate tax used to be the same (there was one overall exemption, and the individual used it up by making gifts during life and at death), the 2001 legislation set the gift tax and estate tax on different roads beginning in 2004. Both were combined into a ‘unified’ exemption because gifts made during life also counted against the total. The overall, or unified, exemption remains for the entire estate, but a gift exemption limits the amount that can be given during a lifetime. Once the unified exemption is used up, the tax rates that apply are quite high. The estate tax is being phased out over a 10-year period, but the gift tax will remain in place. The gift tax exemption is $1 million in 2006, but the estate tax leaps to $2 million. In future years, the gift tax exemption will remain at $1 million, while the estate tax exemption rises until the estate tax is fully repealed in 2010. At that time, the top gift tax rate again will equal the top income tax rate.

If you are going to gift your home to an individual, it's best to offset the amount by first using your annual gift tax exclusion of $11,000 per gift. You can gift $11,000 (this amount will rise and is tied to inflation) to any one person in any year. Hence, if you and your spouse each make a gift to both your child and her spouse, you can offset $44,000 of the home's value. Then, as long as the home's net figure is less than $1 million, you won't owe any current tax (unless you made substantial gifts earlier that reduced your remaining exemption).”

Darby concluded, “Tax regulations do change, so take the time to check with your tax attorney or your accountant before making any moves. Be certain that goals are shared and discussed. You'll find it saves time, money and anxiety.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2011 Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 30,000 ERA real estate brokers and agents.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

All of the ERA Justin Realty listing and 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.SellBergenCounty.com.

ERA Justin Reports On Recommended Work Before Selling

ERA Justin Realtor Michelle Korosy offers a report on recommended work before selling.  ERA Justin Realty serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties since 1950 has generated many thousands of successful real estate transactions. Korosy is an integral part of the real estate team who serves the firm's buyers and sellers.

 

ERA Justin Reports On Recommended Work Before Selling

Sellers often order pre-sale inspection reports. This inevitably raises the question of how much, if any, of the recommended work should be done before selling.  Ideally, any defect that would be hazardous to buyers who preview the property during the sale process should be corrected. An example is a trip hazard that might cause someone to fall. In addition, to maximize your return from the sale, you should repair defects that adversely affect how the property looks.

Michelle Korosy, an ERA Justin Realtor said, “First impressions are important. So, if the fence or porch portions are rotted and look shabby, you might want to repair them. If the exterior paint is peeling, repainting is in order if the budget allows. You get positive results when you repair a defect and improve appearance by doing so.  For example, let's say that the wood pest (also known as termite) inspector finds damage under the vinyl covering in a bathroom. If the vinyl is worn and outdated, you'll do better on the sale if you replace the floor covering with new covering. In the course of doing this, the damaged wood can be repaired. The result is that the house shows better and a defect is eliminated--two benefits for the price of one.

You certainly can't be expected to rebuild your home in order to sell it. Nor is this a sensible thing to do economically. As an example, take a house that had a deck that looked okay and wasn't unsafe. But there was dry rot damage scattered throughout the deck. The only way to repair the deck was to replace it. It would be difficult to get the job done in the timeframe in which the seller wanted to sell.  The deck was old and no longer met current code requirements. It would have had to be redesigned. So the seller decided to leave the deck as it was and disclose that the deck needed to be replaced. The future owners could have the new deck designed to meet their needs at a later date. Upfront disclosure is better than surprises during the sale process.

When structural elements are in need of repair and you haven't the time or money to repair them, it's a good idea to get repair estimates and make these estimates available to prospective buyers before they make an offer. This way, you're in control of the process and can find reliable contractors or engineers who will give you reasonable and not exorbitant estimates.

It can be unsettling to a buyer to discover that the roof is in poor condition or the foundation needs work. Most buyers will have no idea how much it will cost to make repairs. Fear of the unknown makes people anxious, which isn't a good frame of mind for someone who's trying to decide whether to buy your home."

Ron Darby Broker 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 the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, a firm from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents nationally. Ask to see our written report of over 700 reviews of our company from our buyers and sellers. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.” 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor 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 and (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.  For a rewarding real estate career visit www.NorthJerseyRealEstateCareers.com.

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

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner shares valued information about home protection plans and how they benefit both buyers and sellers. The company on-the-grow attracts career professionals having six new agents recently join their team who will make the plan available to their buyers and sellers.

 

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

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 Realtor, which covered all or some of the costs of repairing or replacing the broken home components.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner 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.”

Jennifer continued, “A home protection plan safeguards a Buyer or Seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down. Our ERA Buyer Protection Plan and Seller Protection Plan 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.

For Sellers, a home protection plan makes a house desirable to the market 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.

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.  Ask to see our over 700 written 'What People Are Saving'  reviews about our company. Additionally, we've recently had six new Realtors join our strong team.  All of our team can answer your home protection plan questions,"  she added.

The ERA Justin Realtor 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.BuyBergenCounty.com.