ERA Justin Welcomes Kaitlyn Baco

Kaitlyn Baco recently joined ERA Justin Realty as Realtor Sales Associate and is excited to continue helping clients. A former executive chef, Kaitlyn understands client satisfaction and wants to bring the utmost attention to the customer service experience. 

Kaitlyn says, "I am committed in operating the best business that few can replicate as I am respectful, outgoing, friendly, competitive, and always willing to help. I am a great communicator and strive for satisfaction. Being able to assist others through business is my passion.” Kaitlyn graduated with high honors from Monmouth University with a degree in Business Administration from Monmouth University, and a concentration in Marketing and Management.

Kaitlyn continues, “I take full pride in hard work and dedication. I productively and efficiently plan my priorities (the guest/client first, always) and make strategic decisions to accomplish goals. I understand a great leader that can plan accordingly without wasting time is extremely important and essential in helping clients find their dream home in the time most comfortable for them.”

When asked why she chose ERA Justin Realty, Kaitlyn immediately boasted “I wanted to join ERA so that I would be treated like family. In my own family, we root for each other to be successful and are always encouraging one another to reach our own personal goals.”

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker Co-owner added, “We are pleased that Kaitlyn joined our firm for growth in her real estate career. She is dedicated and passionate in all that she does”. A 7 year resident of Rutherford, we are confident that she will give her full time and energy for the success of her buyers and sellers. 

For help with your real estate needs, Kaitlyn and all of the ERA Justin Realty real estate  professionals can be reached by calling (201) 939-7500 or visiting www.ERAJustin.com. We are conveniently located at either of the two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.



 

ERA Justin sponsors a wreath for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths

ERA Justin’s little elves have been very busy decorating for the Kip Center's 25th Annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths. While a favorite tradition in the community, it also serves as a fundraiser for the Kip Center. Beautiful Trees and wreaths are designed by Kip supporters including local merchants, non-profit organizations, artists, and children. 

Trees/Wreaths/Centerpieces will be on display at the Kip Center from now until December 14th at which time they will be raffled off to benefit the 55 Kip Center. Raffle tickets are available for purchase Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Raffle tickets are 25 for $10.00. Please join us for a Kip Open House, as part of the Borough’s Holiday Festivities, from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 30th.

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. 

 

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 35 Years with ERA and Introduces New Vision

Looking back, Ron Darby Broker-Owner never thought he would be completing his 52nd year in the real estate industry. He thanked the community in addition to the lawyers, mortgage brokers, and bankers, along with other business professionals who have always been there for them as they have grown to top 100 ERA success status.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker-Owner said, "Time flies when you are doing what you enjoy. I remember when I was studying for my salesperson and then my broker licensing. It seems like yesterday, though it's now thousands of transactions later. We've certainly grown and it's because of the dedication of our wonderful teammates and professionals who focus with us."

“ERA Justin Realty is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our business platform. Everything we do is designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs, and resources that help deliver true value and make it easier for us to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter business community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together.

Metzger concluded, "All of our firm’s Realtor agents can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also, view 1000’s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

Determining your ability to buy a home

 

 

 

Determining your ability to buy a home

The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices have been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today. Home prices and wages are two key elements in any affordability equation. There is, however, an extremely important third component to that equation: Mortgage interest rates
 

Mortgage interest rates have fallen by more than a full percentage point from this time last year. Today’s rate is 3.75%; it was 4.86% at this time last year. This has dramatically increased a purchaser’s ability to afford a home.

Here are three reports validating that purchasing a home is more affordable today than it was a year ago:

CoreLogic’s Typical Mortgage Payment
“Falling mortgage rates and slower home-price growth mean that many buyers this year are committing to lower mortgage payments than they would have faced for the same home last year. After rising at a double-digit annual pace in 2018, the principal-and-interest payment on the nation’s median-priced home – what we call the “typical mortgage payment”– fell year-over-year again.”

The National Association of Realtors’ Affordability Index

“At the national level, housing affordability is up from last month and up from a year ago…All four regions saw an increase in affordability from a year ago. The payment as a percentage of income was down from a year ago.”

First American’s Real House Price Index (RHPI)
“In 2019, the dynamic duo of lower mortgage rates and rising incomes overcame the negative impact of rising house price appreciation on affordability. Indeed, affordability reached its highest point since January 2018. Focusing on nominal house price changes alone as an indication of changing affordability, or even the relationship between nominal house price growth and income growth overlooks what matters more to potential buyers – surging house-buying power-driven by the dynamic duo of mortgage rates and income growth. And, we all know from experience, you buy what you can afford to pay per month.”

Bottom Line
Though the price of homes may still be rising, the cost of purchasing a home is falling. If you’re thinking of buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, let’s connect so you can better understand the difference between the two. To contact any one of our Real Estate Professionals, stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or by calling 201.939.7500.

Six Tips When Buying a Home

When buying a home in today’s complex real estate market, it is critical to have a local, trusted adviser on your side. Cathy Vick, seasoned Real Estate Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty states, “Finding a home can be daunting as a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared”. Here are five tips on how to find the home that is right for you, without losing your mind.

 

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search

One way to show you’re serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. Understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach. This will help you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home well outside your price range. ERA Justin can help find a mortgage lender to get you started.

 

2. Know the Difference Between Your ‘Must-Haves’ and ‘Would-Like-To-Haves’

Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen or a certain light fixture to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Before you start your search, list all the features of a home you would like. Qualify them as ‘must-haves’, ‘should-haves’, or ‘absolute-wish list’ items. This will help with what to focus on that’s most important.

 

3. Research and Choose the Neighborhood Where You Want to Live

Every neighborhood has its own unique charm. Before you commit to a home based solely on the house, explore the area. Make sure it meets your needs for “amenities, commute, etc. and then spend a weekend exploring before you commit.” Also, an experienced real estate professional can share the “lay of the land” to a particular area, and may introduce you to a location you never would have considered before.

 

4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It

Evaluate your family’s needs and settle on a style of home that will best serve those needs. Just because you’ve narrowed your search to a zip code doesn’t mean you need to tour every listing in that vicinity.

 

5. Find a Real Estate Pro to Help Navigate the Process

You started the preliminary process of the home search. Now is the time to contact a professional to help you move the process along. The home process is a complex transaction and although the internet and real estate apps can help you “find the home of your dreams”, an experienced real estate agent will help guide you through the arduous process.

 

6. Document Your Home Visits

Once you find a real estate professional and start touring homes, the features of each individual home will start to blur together. Keep your camera handy and make notes on the listing sheet to document what you love and don’t love about each property you visit.

 

Cathy Vick and our ERA Justin Realty agents are experienced in the local market and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding the home buying process. In a high-paced, competitive environment, any advantage you can give yourself will help you on your path to buying your dream home.

 

To contact any one of our Real Estate Professionals for your home buying or selling needs, stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or by calling 201.939.7500. 

FLASHBACK: JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT NEW YORK'S HARVARD CLUB

 

FLASHBACK: 

JENNIFER DARBY METZGER SPOKE AT 

NEW YORK'S HARVARD CLUB

The most powerful and successful real estate leaders, from franchise brands and independent real estate firms across the nation, were welcomed to the Harvard Club in New York in 2018 by RIS Media.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner said, "Those leaders, including Jennifer Darby Metzger, came together last year for this event to exchange ideas and strategies to better meet the needs of today's sophisticated, technology-savvy consumer. Jennifer was chosen as a guest speaker specifically by a select group of brokers, owners, brand executives, and real estate service leaders."

“It was an honor to be invited to speak amongst some of the most knowledgeable leaders in real estate”, Darby Metzger said. As Jennifer spoke, she shared some of her strategies for effectively reaching, connecting and servicing today’s technologically-driven consumer.

It is this philosophy that has helped ERA Justin Realty to be recognized by its parent company, ERA Real Estate. ERA Justin Realty was named as a finalist for the Gene Francis Memorial Award. This award recognizes those companies that reflected the qualities most respected throughout the global ERA system and the real estate industry. Known for both his forward-thinking business acumen as well as his philanthropic spirit, Gene Francis established a defining culture of service to which all ERA companies aspire. Factored into the award selection are: high customer satisfaction ratings, strong brand engagement and use of ERA resources, and sales and company growth.

See why ERA Justin continues as a leader in customer satisfaction. The ERA Justin Realty team can be reached at either of the two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019

ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle 2019

 

The Year-to-Date ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achievers for 2019 include (from
front to back): Julia Dagistanli, Sophia Vazac, Fara Espandi, Lee Schilare, Cathy Vick,
Carol D. Calamari, and Kristen Davis (not pictured).

Each one of these skilled real estate agents are knowledgeable on a variety of topics and
can help the sale or purchase of your home go smoothly.

The home buying/selling process is a complex transaction and although the internet and
real estate apps can help you “find the home of your dreams”, an experienced real estate
agent, like our Leadership Circle achievers, will help guide you through the arduous
process.

Our agents know the local market, have a vast network of other real estate professionals
to reach out to (including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, title companies,
movers, etc.), and have tremendous negotiation skills. Even a straightforward sale can go
awry unless both parties keep to deadlines and stay ahead of potential problems. Our real
estate agents can correct issues with the contract, make sure inspections and repairs are
completed on time, and keep both parties on schedule to make the closing. Those are only
a few areas where having a professional Realtor can be of extreme value. The
experienced skills of our team are invaluable to the success and experience of the
transaction.

Our agents and their brokers, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always advising
homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their
homes. “There is a difference in real estate companies and our agents take pride in their
work,” stated Darby.

With close to 100 units sold to date between these leadership circle winners, it is easy to
see that these sales professionals are hyper-focused and ready to serve the needs of their
sellers and buyers.

To contact any of our ERA Justin Realty agents for your home buying or selling needs,
stop by either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue or
by calling (201) 939-7500 or visiting www.ERAJustin.com.