ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

 

 ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

 

 Rutherford:  The fundraising team of ERA Justin Realty has been focused on sending kids with Muscular Dystrophy to summer camp, specifically designed for their needs and abilities. As the year winds down, accumulated totals are completed. ERA Justin Realty has received MDA President's Club honors for their 2015 efforts.

 

For their efforts as one of New Jersey’s top fundraising real estate offices, Ron Darby Broker and his MDA fundraising teammates were notified that the firm qualified for the MDA President’s Club, honors shared only by organizations with year-long focus and fundraising for the Summer Camp For Kids program.

 

Each year MDA supports some 90 summer camps across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, in California or New Jersey, at MDA camp barriers simply don’t exist. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.

 

If you’re 16 or older, you’re invited to apply to join the MDA team as a camp volunteer. At most MDA camps, volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with neuromuscular diseases need. Counselors push wheelchairs, lift and carry youngsters, and even "bunk down" near their campers. But above all, they become a youngsters friend for a week and sometimes for a lifetime.

 

By becoming an MDA summer camp sponsor you can provide a local youngster with neuromuscular disease with many special summer memories. The cost of sending one child to MDA camp for one week is $800.00.

 

As a sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during our special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates. 

 

Darby continued, “Become a sponsor! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call us at (201) 939-7500.”

 

To review more about ERA Justin Realty MDA fundraising, simply go to their website at www.ERAJustin.com and click on MDA efforts.

ERA Justin's Fara Espandi Reports On Recommended Work Before Selling

Fara Espandi, an ERA Justin Realty continuing Leadership Circle award recipient says, “First impressions are important when preparing to place your home on the market for sale." 

 

ERA Justin's Fara Espandi 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 agents and 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. Buying decisions are typically determined upon a first inspection and first impressions. 
 
Fara Espandi, an ERA Justin Realty continuing Leadership Circle award recipient says, “First impressions are important. So, if the fence or entry porch are in disrepair and look shabby, repair them. If the exterior paint is peeling, repaint and retouch as needed. 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 linoleum in a kitchen, treat and repair. If the linoleum is worn and outdated, you'll do better on the sale if you replace the floor covering with a new, trendier one. In the course of doing this, the wood damage 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.

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.

As reported by Dian Hymer of Inman News, a pre-sale home inspector of an Oakland, Calif., home recommended that an engineer be consulted about a foundation that had settled. The seller hired an engineer who made a proposal for the repair. The cost was $20,000--not an insignificant number. But, it wasn't $40,000 or $50,000 as an inexperienced buyer might imagine.  If you choose not to make major repairs before selling, this should be reflected in your list price, especially if you have competition from other sellers.”

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 Commitment to Excellence Award, from ERA corporate.  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 past recipient of Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers and Sellers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.” 

 

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 information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Participates in Kip Center Holiday Festival

ERA Justin Realty's Rosemarie Zembryski, Lee Schilare and Cathy Vick put the finishing touches on their Kip Center Charlie Brown's Karaoke Christmas submission to assist in their fundraising activities.

 

ERA Justin Realty Participates in Kip Center Holiday Festival

 

Rutherford:  It was just fall, but within a wink and a blink a chill is now in the air, the malls are all decked out with holiday displays, shoppers are out and about and it’s also beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Rutherford’s Kip Center, the areas recreation and nutritional citizen center, where area residents enjoy daily activities and lunch programs. Holiday trees, decorative wreaths have brought much cheer to the Kip Center located at 55 Kip Avenue for its annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths, as well as much needed donations.

 

Holiday displays abound with participants who were as busy as holiday elves getting ready for the upcoming Kip Center drawing, when dozens of decorated trees and wreaths will be given to winners through their annual holiday drawing. The event helps raise needed donations used to fund the varied activities at the center.

 

Assisting in creating holiday cheer with the 2015 ERA Justin Realty Charlie Brown's Karaoke Christmas  are Realtor salespersons Rosemarie Zembryski, Lee Schilare and Cathy Vick who are the firm’s coordinators for the 2015 charitable event and recently presented the unique Charlie Brown theme  designed with special selected Karaoke Grand Piano, distinctive Christmas Tree and much love.

 

They said, "Our submission is our effort to help make a difference for the Kip Center and our community. In order to reach a wide range of individuals and spread our spirit, we dedicate our time to a wide range of charities. We feel that one person making a difference to another can lead to many people making a difference in society. We all have the opportunity to help create positive change. You might not be able to change the entire world, but at least you can change a small part of it, for someone. Our focus is to help bring financial benefits to the Kip Center seniors. We’re happy to report that our past entries have been cited by the Kip Center as ‘Most Creative In the Business Category,’ for past years and ERA Justin Realty again is hopeful for mention in 2015.

 

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner said,  "Tis the season for giving. By helping the Kip Center raise money with ERA Justin Realty’s donation of our holiday wreath and others you are helping that one or many in the community. Stop by the Kip Center for a chance to win!  It's always a win-win situation locally and you will be helping our area seniors immensely. Contact the Kip Center for details on their charitable drawing."

 

 You may read about the firm’s fundraising activities and more at their websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com, or phone any of their Realtor salespersons at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD if you would like to assist in their ongoing fundraising activities.

ERA Justin Realty: Tips on Dressing and Pricing Your House For Strong Showings

Adrian Tridel and Michelle Korosy, two top teammates and real estate working partners at ERA Justin Realty share tips on first impressions as well as information for pricing your house correctly when readying for a sale.

ERA Justin Realty: Tips on Dressing and Pricing Your House For Strong Showings

As important a landmark as buying a home is in people’s lives, you’d be surprised at how much of it can turn on snap decisions. If you’re selling a house you’ll have to put careful thought into customers’ first impressions, because many sales will be made or lost before they reach the front door – or as soon as they walk through it.  Michelle Korosy and Adrian Tridel, two top teammates and real estate working partners share tips as well as information for pricing your house correctly when readying for a sale.

ERA Justin Realty’s Korosy offers a menu of possible ‘first impression’ areas that an owner may want to consider. “First consider curb appeal – the feeling customers get from the upkeep of the house and grounds, and how comfortable this makes them imagining themselves as a resident. You want to do everything you can to make them see your house as their house, both outside and in.  A new paint job is an investment that could be considered if it more than pays for itself, and neat landscaping – trimmed shrubs, new flowers – puts your prospective buyers in just the right frame of mind. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms should be in sparkling condition – these rooms are known to be what makes up many home-seekers’ minds. Removal of odors like pet smells and smoke will lessen distractions for customers you want focusing on your home’s possibilities, and clearing of clutter is crucial."

Tridel added, "The less belongings you have crowding your rooms and closets, the bigger the home will appear, and the easier it will be for potential buyers to envision placing their own possessions there. Put some things in storage if you need to, or hold a garage sale to help cut down on some of the build-up you were going to clear out for moving anyway. For buyers picturing themselves in your home, it’s also good to present the house in as general taste as possible – personal memorabilia, collectibles, and eccentric wall colors and furnishings should go out with the clutter. Repainting rooms in a neutral white also helps convey the sense of spaciousness.  Clean windows, fresh flowers, and other small details with big impact – they’re what you want to remember. From major improvements to subtle touches that tip the scales in your favor, the features of a house that we often take for granted can be the ones that determine your home selling success. According to the National Association of Realtors^®, curb appeal alone accounts for half of all home sales.”

Korosy continued, “A little effort now saves you a lengthy process later. First impressions will expedite the sale and securing the services of a qualified Realtor^® will make it all the surer. One of our ERA Justin Realty real estate professionals can guide you in all the above matters and more, from supplying a checklist of presentation tips, to recommending affordable painting contractors from his or her industry connections, to helping you rearrange the furniture. Whatever it takes, we can give you confidence that, for some buyer soon, the showing of your home will be love at first sight.  We also will provide a current home market analysis  (CMA) with information 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. Our CMA report for our Sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it make 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.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide  ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, selected from all ERA real estate firms.  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 Time Home Buyers and Sellers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.' For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

For more information on CMAs and dressing your house for a good showing, 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 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Wins Accolades For Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar

ERA Justin Realty Wins Accolades For Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar

Rutherford:  ERA Justin Realty as part of its ongoing community service seminars, recently held a successful Elder Law Estate Planning Seminar with National Academy Elder Law attorney, Benjamin Eckman, Esq. 

Once announced, reservations were fully filled with residents of Bergen and Passaic counties. ERA Justin Realty Senior Specialists from the firm coordinated the event which was hosted at BCB bank of Rutherford.

Jennifer Darby Metzger ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner stated,  “We recognize the importance of this seminar topic because it impacts each and every one of us in one way or another.  Once assembled did all then have greater understanding of the common issues that face us all, as our attendees questions from all areas of the room shared commonality on the topics.  Mr. Eckman spoke on asset protection, wills and trusts, probate and power of attorney, nursing home and long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and guardianships.” Attendee comments included, “We’d love more seminars.”  “It was excellent and thank you.”  “The seminar was very informative. “We quickly made an appointment with Mr. Eckman.”  “We found the seminar informative, your staff very pleasant and I thank you for your attentiveness.”

This was the second in a series of Elder Law seminars brought by ERA Justin Realty Co. with a repeat seminar to be planned for Spring 2016 because of such an overwhelming request by those who could not attend our last seminar.

"As a strong industry leader and a national Top-100 firm, ERA Justin Realty is underscoring the critical role of community information," added Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty  broker co-owner.

The firm is nearing announcement of an additional seminar for first-time homebuyers, which will include guest speakers who will explain many new programs offered in this fast changing borrowing market.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” Metzger continued, “Presenting community seminars, we believe, is another way to exceed buyers and sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics. In fact, our buyers and sellers have put their reviews in writing. We have on file for the asking, Real Estate Results In Writing, our report of nearly 800 reviews and testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers.  No other area real estate firm offers that.”

The ERA Justin Realty full service team of 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 andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty: Kubs Team offers, How Renters Become Buyers

ERA Justin Realty: Kubs Team offers, How Renters Become Buyers

Nothing compares to the feeling of having a place to call home. At one time or another, however, most of us have felt frustration at seeing hard-earned money go into rent every month rather than a more permanent house payment.

According to Allyson and Wayne Kubs familiar with rental and investment properties through ownership, "Renting is most people's first step toward homeownership, but what do you need to do to realize the dream of owning a home? ERA Justin Realty’s Kubs team shares important insight for those who want to become a homeowner. Sometimes, it's not the regular rent-money obligations but other expenses that are the main obstacle in saving. A whole debt-counseling industry has arisen to guide consumers in getting out from under what they owe. Smart saving, not depriving yourself, just ensuring stability and enjoyment over the longest term involves many moves both major and simple, and can help prepare you for that first down payment.

On the simple end, rediscovering home cooking (and enjoying the leftovers as brownbag lunches) can amount to significant savings as compared to regularly dining out. On a higher level of financial planning, establishing a household budget and sticking to it, including a specific amount set aside for savings every month can get you to your home affording goals sooner than you might have imagined.

You may also want to meet with a counselor who can negotiate a lower rate and set a sensible structure for your repayments on credit cards while advising you how to ease dependence on them. This not only gets you on your own financial feet, but helps keep your credit rating intact for the very home loan you hope to someday secure.

There are additional ways to start working toward homeownership. Some sellers will enter into a rent-to- buy agreement, in which part of the regular rent is considered an installment of the home's down payment, which, once built up, can help you obtain financing. Low income renters may also qualify for federal Section 8 vouchers which are paid to the landlord, subsidizing your rental expenses and helping you save for a permanent home.

Just as some renting options allow you to set funds aside, some types of purchases can help defray your costs even as you fulfill the stepped-up obligations of homeownership. Pooling resources with other buyers to occupy a two-family home could be one; buying such a home by yourself and renting one half of it could be another.

Even if your economics remain challenging, there are low down payment mortgages, and other forms of financing for special circumstances, available to buyers who meet the right criteria. Our ERA Justin Realtor sales agents can help you navigate through these options, accessing financing programs for qualified buyers. He or she can also identify what government help might be available, and generally counsel you on your readiness to be a buyer and on what else you might need to do to get there. If you consult the right sources and seek common-sense strategies, then your every move in the renter's world can be pointing you home.”

Allyson concluded, “ Our team at ERA Justin Realty have the answers or available just a phone call way. Because of our daily priorities, we've proudly received the prestigious ERA global Commitment to Excellence Award.”

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Broker added, “All across the nation, the most coveted 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 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.”

Allyson, Wayne and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor sales 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. View 1000's of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty's Joana Ilescu Reviews Best Dollar-For-Dollar Improvement Returns

ERA Justin Realty's Joana Ilescu Reviews

Best Dollar-For-Dollar Improvement Returns

It would be nice if you could count on getting one dollar back when you sell your house for each dollar you invested in renovations. Most people hope for more than a dollar-for-dollar return. In reality, many improvements return less than the amount invested.

For example, a Cost Versus Value Report,  published by a past National Association of Realtors report, and reported by Inman News, that nationally, the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was only 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and  79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel. These percentages vary throughout the country and are only suggested with variations.

“Does this mean that remodeling is a waste of your time and money? No, but  don't go about a renovation in a haphazard fashion. It's important to do your due diligence investigations before embarking on any remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a home. There are many variables to consider,” stated Joana Ilescu Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty Co.

“First, consider that the figures quoted are national averages. The amount recouped on a remodel depends in large part on where you live. There's significant variability from one city to the next, according to the NAR report.  For instance, nationally, homeowners recouped approximately 90 percent on a bathroom remodel. But, the amount recouped for the same job was 109.7 percent in New York City, 100 percent in San Francisco, and only 61.3 percent in Denver, on average.  The return on a remodeling investment will also depend on the value of your home, particularly in relationship to the value of homes in your neighborhood. If you have a small home in a neighborhood of larger, more expensive homes, you could come out ahead by enlarging your home. However, it's important to keep costs in line so that you don't end up over-improving your home for the neighborhood. Buyers tend to discount a home that's priced above the value of other homes in the neighborhood. Before remodeling, it's also important to consider your competition. In some areas, certain remodeling projects are taken for granted. For instance, if you're in an upscale neighborhood of older homes where most homeowners have remodeled their kitchen and bathrooms, you may be penalized price-wise by the market if your home is outdated. In areas where home prices are rising rapidly, you're likely to recoup more on your remodel investment than you would during times of meager appreciation. With this in mind, you're more likely to recoup your investment over the long term.” Joana added.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner added,  “There's a subjective factor that can't be overlooked when remodeling. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership. And, don't discount the value of creature comfort. There's a certain sense of well being to be derived from a home that suits your lifestyle while aptly reflecting who you are. Despite these factors, from an investment standpoint, it makes sense to consider resale value before making an investment in a major renovation. This doesn't mean that you should remodel your home with someone else in mind. But, if you're aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it's wise to consider home buyer preferences in your area. If your remodeling is not in tune with what buyers want, it could actually decrease the value of your home. Also keep in mind that while trends vanish quickly, quality and good taste are timeless.  The NAR Cost Versus Value Report was based on professional judgment rather than on actual sales data. Therefore, the report is somewhat subjective. However, it does point out the importance of carefully considering before remodeling.”

Joana concluded,  “All across the nation, one of the most coveted awards 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 For Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.”

Joana and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor sales persons 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. View 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.