Special People Doing Special Things!

Special People Doing Special Things!

ERA Justin Realty in conjunction with Realtor agent and program coordinator Sharon Robie have secured items of necessity for families and children for Christmas 2018. 

N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue started in 2015 as a non profit fundraising organization.   Phil and Renay Stafford started the charity because in 1999 they were flooded  by hurricane Floyd and lost most of their belongings.  When they applied for relief services they were told that they would have to wait for services.  That motivated Phil and Renay as Phil had been helping people most of his life but wanted to take it a step further. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue was born. 

Phil offered, "We try to help people that are in crisis without having to wait. If someone comes to us for help we can help immediately  We help people all year long with food, toiletries and essential household items. At this time of year, one of many things we do is adopt a family for Christmas."

Renay added, "Throughout the years we've helped families who are in crisis or are having difficult times. We help single parents, seniors, Veterans and the homeless. We have families who are registered with us who we help with food weekly. During their hard times, we help them with fruits, vegetables and non perishable items. In this way what little money they do have they can use towards bills, rent, medicines, etc. The families for our Adopt A Family program are families that are registered with us.  We also sponsor a domestic violence agency, Never Alone Again.  This organization has families with single moms and children with many of them living in a shelter. We also have families referred to us from people who we know; who know families who are struggling. This is our 3rd year that we have done this project. The first year we helped about 15 families, the 2nd year we helped 25 families and this year were able to sponsor 40 families and 93 children."

Sharon concluded, "We have single families and companies including ERA Justin Realty sponsoring families for Christmas this year. This is very bitter-sweet and are happy that we are able to help so many families, but its also sad that there are so many in a situation like this. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue could not do what we do collectively without the help of very generous people. I can be reached at Sharon@erajustin.com. For additional information visit their website www.njfoodclothingrescue.org or email them at njfoodandclothingrescue@aol.com"

ERA Justin Realty Supports Strong Agents

There is always chatter in the media about real estate’s upward swings, sideways swings and downward swings in ever-changing markets. Staying on top of the industry and educating through all of the changes positively impacts the ERA Realtor agents who work diligently side by side with the ERA Justin Realty management team.

Cristina Munoz of the firm said, "Your best marketing tool when selling your house is the right real estate firm and a strong Realtor agent backed and supported by hands-on-brokers and an exceptional management team that brings huge value to the process with Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty owners."

The Team at ERA Justin Realty work diligently, learn and focus on industry trends, pay attention to detail and educate their sellers in all areas such as proper market pricing, marketing conditions as they lead with expert negotiation skills to bring the best result to their clients. Smart agents use all the tools at their disposal, attend extensive training, and constantly improve their knowledge of the industry and neighborhoods. A good licensed professional knows what needs to be done to achieve the best result and can counsel the client on what the best options are for their situation.

Ron Darby ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner said, "Since 1950 ERA Justin Realty has been on the cutting edge of top service to the communities, both in listings and sales as well as our participation in charitable events. Our slogan, There is a difference in real estate companies carries a strong message as our management and team of agents work to excel buyer and seller expectations each day. We prove it consistently when one looks at our awards, activities, successful sales and our charitable events. Check out our activities, all listed on our award search websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

Jennifer Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner stated, “Repeat and referral business is a mainstay of our firm. Cristina and the team have built a base of buyers and sellers who count on them to transact their real estate business. Their production record speaks for itself and will perform above your expectations.”

All ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtors 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.

Ask to see a copy of their over 1,000 reviews of their services from their buyers and sellers.

Cristina concluded, "Putting our heart and soul into everything we do, ERA Justin Realty has been a trusted name in real estate since 1950, creating multi-thousands of happy buyers and sellers and smart investors in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, and Hudson counties. Go to our websites and connect with one of our professionals. ERA Justin, What A Great Move!"

Realtor Agent Sophia Vazac Joins ERA Justin Realty

Realtor Agent Sophia Vazac Joins ERA Justin Realty

“Dealing openly and having pride in the service you provide, your buyers and sellers will respect and have trust in you,” words of Sophia Vazac an ERA Justin Realtor agent who has recently joined from another real estate firm.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker Owner stated, “Sophia's hard work, enthusiasm and focus in handling all details of her transactions will result in successful purchases and sales. As a full-time agent, she will be advantageous to everyone she serves. Her strength is her love for real estate and is eager to build a successful career at ERA Justin Realty. We are pleased that she has joined our active team.”

Sophia said, “Since 1950 ERA Justin Realty is widely recognized for their professionalism, skilled staff, and forward industry thinking and the use of cutting-edge technologies resulting in multi-thousands of successful transactions to better serve our buyers and sellers. To say you are affiliated with ERA Justin Realty brings strong satisfaction and I try to always be available for my buyers and sellers. With their support systems, success follows as we all work to exceed buyer and seller expectations. My clients will always be my #1 priority while building strong relationships."

She then concluded, “I'm knowledgeable about our area communities, have resided in Rutherford for 24 years, where I reside with my two children and I know Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties well. It will be my pleasure to locate a home for you as well as a welcoming home for your families. My production designations include CRS,  NJAR Distinguished Sales Club awards and I've received  the Circle of Excellence award each year since 2003."

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious Commitment to Excellence Award from ERA across the nation. For these reasons, ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice. Reach Sophia at the office (201) 939-7500 and at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Are Homeowners Renovating to Sell or to Stay?

ERA Justin Realtor agent Clemenza Goglucci suggested, "Over the past few years, two trends have emerged in the housing market. Home renovations have increased and inventory of homes available for sale on the market has lessened to a degree.  A normal ’housing market is defined by having a 6-month supply of homes for sale. According to a recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors, we are currently at a 4.4-month supply.  This lower inventory environment has many current homeowners worried that they would be unable to find a house to buy if they were to list and sell their current house, which is causing some homeowners to consider a renovation to fit their needs. This is basically unbalanced as new listings do come on the market daily.

According to Home Advisor, homeowners spent an estimated $6,649 on home improvements over the last 12 months. If that number seems high, it also includes homeowners who recently bought fixer-uppers. One study asked the question, “Given a choice between spending a fixed amount of money on a down payment for a new house  or fixing up their current home, what would you do?”

Some of those surveyed said that they might consider a renovation of their current house. Especially if their current house fits their needs as far as space and accessibility are concerned, then a renovation could make some sense. But if renovations will end up changing the identity of the home and impact resale value, then the renovations may end up costing them more in the long run and a new purchase could be the best option."

Clemenza concluded, "With home prices increasing steadily for the last 6.5 years, homeowners have naturally gained equity that they may not even be aware of. Listing your house for sale in this environment could net you more money than your renovations otherwise would.  If you are one of the many homeowners thinking about remodeling instead of selling, let’s get together to help you make the right decision for you based on the demand for your house in today’s market."

BEST 2018 DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR IMPROVEMENT BENEFITS

BEST 2018 DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR IMPROVEMENT BENEFITS

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 more or less.

For example, in a past Cost Versus Value Report, published by the National Association of Realtors, as reported by Inman News, nationally, the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was  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.

“It's important to do due diligence investigations before embarking on a remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a new home. There are many variables to consider,” stated Teresa Kriston, Realtor agent with ERA Justin Realty Co.

“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 possibly 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 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. In areas where home prices are stable, you're likely to recoup more on your remodel investment than you would during times of meager appreciation.

There's a subjective factor that can't be overlooked when remodeling. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership, but 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 your aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it's wise to consider homebuyer preferences in your area. Also keep in mind that while trends change, 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.”

Teresa concluded, “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 worldwide  ‘Commitment to Excellence Award.’ For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice during its 68 years of operation.”

ERA Justin sponsors a tree at the Kip Center 24th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

ERA Justin’s Little Elves have been very busy decorating a tree for 55 Kip Center’s 24th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths which began Tuesday, November 13^th and runs through December 8^th. A favorite tradition in the community, the Festival, which is a fundraiser for the Center, is the perfect venue to enjoy a beautiful holiday display of trees, wreaths, and centerpieces that are decorated by local individuals, organizations and businesses. You can also support this event with a $25 “Angel” donation and can purchase raffle tickets at 25 for $10. You might even win a beautiful tree, wreath or centerpiece.

Trees/Wreaths/Centerpieces will be on display at the Center until Saturday, Dec. 8th at which time they will be raffled off to benefit the  55 Kip Center. The Center will hold an Open House as part of the Borough’s Holiday Festivities from 11:00 until 3:00 p.m on Saturday November 24^th and will be open Tuesday – Saturday until December 8 to view the display and purchase raffle tickets.

In past years, ERA Justin Realty has donated a wreath, but this year the Justin staff has decorated a beautiful tree with the theme “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Under the tree are 12 gift boxes containing gift cards to local restaurants. The ERA Justin tree was voted “Most Beautiful Tree” by the Kip Center judges.

ERA Justin Realty is pleased to help 55 Kip Center, a fun, empowering, and enriching vital resource for older adults and their families. They are Bergen County's ONLY nationally accredited Senior Center of Excellence and have a membership of over 700 members. They offer Health & Wellness, Education, Recreation, Fitness and nutrition programs to area seniors Volunteers also provide escort for essential transportation needs including doctor appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers can also provide food shopping for those unable to shop for themselves. A little of your time can make a BIG difference in the life of a senior in Bergen County! For more information on this program or to become a volunteer, please call Cathy Baviello of 55 Kip Center at 201-460-1600. 

Still Think You Need 15-20% Down to Buy a Home? Think Again!

Still Think You Need 15-20% Down to Buy a Home? Think Again!

ERA Justin Realtor agent and management administrator Michelle Korosy points out directions for home ownership. "According to a new study from Urban Institute, there are over 19 million millennials in 31 cities who are not only ready and willing to become homeowners but are able to as well!  Now that the largest generation since baby boomers has aged into prime home buying age, there will no doubt be an uptick in the national homeownership rate. The study from Urban Institute revealed that nearly a quarter of this generation has the credit and income needed to purchase a home. Surprisingly, the largest share of mortgage-ready millennials lives in expensive coastal cities. These cities often attract highly skilled workers who demand higher salaries for their expertise."

ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner Jennifer Darby Metzger commented, "So, what’s holding these mortgage-ready millennials back from buying? Myths About Down Payment Requirements!  According to the Keeping Current Matters, Inc. news reporting service, Most of the millennials surveyed for the study believe that they need at least a 15% down payment in order to buy a home when, in reality, the median down payment in the US in 2017 was just 5%, and some programs for qualified buyers are available for even lower down payments! The study goes on to point out that despite limited awareness, many states have programs that provide grants and loans to make homeownership more attainable, with varying assistance in various states ranging up to $21,171."

Michelle concluded,  "The bottom line with so many qualified young families now able to buy a home in today’s market, the demand for housing may continue for years to come. If you are one of the many millennials who have questions about their ability to buy in today’s market, let’s get together so we can assist you along your journey! You should conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Housing is still affordable in the United States."