ERA JUSTIN REALTORS SEND YOUNGSTERS TO MDA SUMMER CAMP

Since 1955, MDA has built bridges and knocked down barriers for youngsters with neuromuscular diseases by providing an unforgettable week at MDA summer camp, largely in part this summer through the efforts of the ERA Justin Realty teammates who are pictured, Ron Darby, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Cathy Vick, June Incorvaia, Glenn Elliot, Daniel Weiner, Justine Slater, John Boguszewski, Carol Calamari, Salvatore Macri, Adrian Tridel and kids, Cate, Leah and Logan who gave stuffed animal gifts to the Muscular Dystrophy campers.  All were recently invited to attend the MDA VIP Summer Camp day to be with the kids. 

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner said, “It has been the focus of our entire staff of agents to raise tax deductible donations to send as many children to MDA summer camp as possible and it all came together at the MDA Lock-up fundraising event. We reached out to all of the business firms and individuals we transact business with throughout the year to send in their donations large and small.  Donations were pooled in an effort to send children to the tri-state MDA summer camp for a week.  In the past we had focused on raising funds for MDA research, but we now focus to give these children an immediate positive experience.  Due to the untiring efforts of our staff and those who donated, the MDA youngsters are enjoying a week in the country in a structured environment to fit their abilities.

Special thanks also to the Rutherford and Lyndhurst Police Departments which arranged transportation for those willing to be locked up until they raised their MDA bail. Of course, it was all in fun. ERA Justin Realty raised over $7,000.00 for this single event. Our ERA Justin Realty team of over 35 Realtors never stopped until our summer goal for our MDA youngsters was met. Additionally, we chair the ERA Brokers of  NJ fundraising. In total, the check to be presented at the Labor Day MDA Telethon will total $13,000. and will be presented by Adrian Tridel. As an additional kick-off for the Telethon, Cathy Vick will represent ERA Justin Realty at the NASDAQ closing bell ceremonies."

Each year MDA supports nearly 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.  

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.  The firm is now continuing their MDA Summer Camp fundraising activities, preparing for next year.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call us at (201) 939-7500.

To reach the ERA Justin Realty team with questions about being part of the MDA team or with real estate questions, they can be reached at their Rutherford office at 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, NJ. 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 http://www.erajustin.com/ and www.ERAJustinRealty.com  

Rather Than Sitting on the Fence …Why Not Own It?

ERA Justin Realtor professionals always join together with training to stay on the cutting-edge of customer and client needs. Their focus in a continuing changing real estate market is to have the knowledge to better educate and to better serve the communities in their real estate sales.

ERA Justin Realty Offers Market Insights:

Rather Than Sitting on the Fence …Why Not Own It?

ERA Justin Realty, a leading real estate brokerage serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties, has never witnessed real estate market conditions quite like what we are experiencing today. Ron Darby Broker Co-owner offers the following insights for consumers considering buying a home.

Homes are More Affordable – Current housing prices are down 27% on average across the nation from peak values five years ago aaccording to the Freddie Mac House Price Index (June 2006 to March 2011)^,  and the national housing affordability index continues to hover at record levels.

Rates are Low – At 4.6%, 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates remain near historical lows, based on an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as shown in the Primary Mortgage Market Survey data according to Freddie Mac as of July 7, 2011.

Timing is Everything – For qualified buyers, this is the time to buy. According to reports, conforming loan limits will be changing which will decrease the availability and affordability of mortgage credit for many home buyers in 42 states, based on new loan limits published by FHFA and HUD.

Homeownership is Still the American Dream – Nearly nine in ten Americans say homeownership is an important part of the American Dream, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll, conducted June 24-28, 2011.

Financing is Available – Today’s borrower needs to have stable employment and sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payment and living expenses; adequate savings to make at least a 3.5% down payment; and, in general, a credit score of at least 620. If you meet these basic requirements and plan to live in the home, you may be well on your way.  Note: FHA requires a minimum 3.5% down payment; conventional mortgages will require a down payment of 5% or more. FICO score minimums may be higher or lower depending on loan type, income history, property type and other factors.

“For qualified buyers, now may well be the time to make your move,” said Darby.  “If a home purchase is in your future plans, I would encourage you to talk to one of our Realtor professionals because now may be the time for you to act. There is ample inventory on the market for you to capture that “dream” home you have always wanted at a price and terms you can handle.

"But don’t wait too long, because mortgage rates and home prices won’t stay this low forever.  Find your perfect home along with a mortgage that meets your needs with the help of our outstanding affiliated sales professionals."

ERA Justin Realty has received the prestigious 2003 through 2010 ERA 'Commitment to Excellence' Award from all across the ERA nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 All of the ERA Justin 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.

ERA Justin Realtor Karen Kelly offers information for families moving with kids for the new school year. Karen's strong referral base brings her many sales and listings throughout Bergen County. A busy Realtor and a busy mom with four sons, she and her husband are very involved in community activities.

 

 See You In September: Moving With Kids for the New School Year

 It's been a sunny summer. Families who were at the beach, lake or traveling are back, off the fence and wanting to purchase so they can try to have the kids in their new house and registered for the new school year.

Moving  is a major change for all members of a family. Adult responsibilities weigh heavily when keeping track of all the tasks needed to make a move go smoothly. If you have children, this may be a difficult time to focus on their problems, too, but it’s also one of the most crucial times to keep their concerns in mind.

Sometimes what seems like a major disruption to grownups is viewed as an adventure to the kids. Still, changing homes can also bring different feelings of stability (in the case of younger children) and belonging (in the case of teens). These are special concerns for these age groups.

According to ERA Justin Realtor, Karen Kelly, “The most important thing a parent can do is maintain normal routines as much as possible, and when it isn't possible, to let the kids know that apprehension about a big life change is normal, too. Try to keep calm about the move yourself, and your children will be more likely to follow your lead. It is advisable to be open about what’s happening and how everyone feels about it. 

This means keeping your kids in the loop at each stage of the move. It helps everyone for them to get increasingly use to the idea of this change. Bring them along when you look at houses, make them familiar with the new area you're moving to, and investigate its attractions (including the athletic or extra-curricular offerings that appeal to your kids). Exploring some of this on the Internet is a good way to relate your relocation to an activity they already enjoy.

Encourage your children to express any worries, and do what you can to reassure them. If you went through similar experiences as a child, you can share how you dealt with it, if it was easy, so much the better, and if it was hard, your children will know they're not the only ones who have ever had to deal with change.

Try and arrange visits to the new school and meetings with the new teachers before the school year or semester starts. When you have more than one child, make bedroom assignments in the new house as soon as possible to avoid sibling strife (comfort, privacy and age seniority are all issues of kid politics that it is sometimes easy for grownups to forget).”

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” continued Karen.  “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers’ expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, and 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 750 quotes and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award, from all across the ERA nation. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 Karen and the other 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

The National Association of Realtors helps make short work of short sales.

ERA Justin Realty serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties is pleased to announce that Monir (Matt) Hanna, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol Calamari, Adrian Tridel, Glenn Elliot and Fara Espandi have taken the required training and have earned the Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification being processed through the National Association of Realtors.

 

              The National Association of Realtors helps make short work of short sales.

Possibly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures, according to National Association of Realtors data. To help Realtors meet the needs of home buyers and sellers who need these services, NAR has launched the Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification Program (SFR).

“Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a Realtor® for these kinds of purchases,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, "Realtors add value to the real estate transaction with their extensive knowledge and market insights, and this certification will help them serve a growing need.”

According to media reports, it is highly recommended by lenders, the US Treasury department and others that if you are going to have to do a short sale on your property that you may want to use agents who have taken training or received a designation. Experience and patience  is required in successfully negotiating short sales.

ERA Justin Realty serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties is pleased to announce that Monir (Matt) Hanna, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol Calamari, Adrian Tridel, Glenn Elliot and Fara Espandi  have taken the required training and have earned the Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification being processed through the National Association of Realtors.

By adding the SFR specialty to their business, they have acquired the professional training necessary to assist clients and customers with the sale or purchase of distressed properties. The SFR program trains sales associates in guiding their clients through short sale and foreclosure opportunities and directing them to finance, tax and legal professionals. As an SFR professional, they further assist in qualifying sellers for short sales, developing a short sale package, negotiating with lenders, tapping into buyer demand, limiting risk, and protecting buyers.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” stated broker co-owner Jennifer Darby Metzger.  “Being part of the SFR certification process, we believe, is in order to exceed buyer and seller expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about.  In that way, we hope we are held in the highest regard.  Our buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing about their past transactions. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 700 quotes and testimonials from them.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

ERA Justin Realty has also received the prestigious 2003 through 2010 ERA 'Commitment to Excellence' Award from all across the ERA nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 All of the ERA Justin Realty full service SFR certification recipients 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 http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.

Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers in Current Housing Market

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-of-Record has been a strong influence on the area real estate industry for the past 44 years. Beginning his career as sales manager for K Realty Co., he advanced and has led the way for ERA Justin Realty's many successes since 1980. The firm consistently is an ERA Top-100 firm nationwide in listings and sales. With Jennifer Darby Metzger they co-chair ERA Muscular Dystrophy fundraising efforts in New Jersey and attend the NASDAQ closing bell ceremonies on MDA day. Darby offers the following report for sellers in the current 2011 real estate market. 

 

                          Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers in Current Housing Market

There are qualified homebuyers intent on buying while they can still lock in a low mortgage rate. So, the summer and fall 2011 housing market should continue to present good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this new selling environment. The first step is to start thinking like a buyer, not a seller. Although buyers are anxious to buy before rates rise, they know that they can select one of possibly dozens of houses on the market, meeting their criteria.

Ron Darby,  ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner stated, "As reported in the press, when the market is rising quickly, buyers are less concerned about overpaying because they're sure they'll recoup the excess payment within a short time because of robust appreciation. This was the psychology of the past. Now, buyers are much more concerned about value. For this reason, pricing is more important than ever, as is property condition. Buyers are less forgiving of defects. So, ideally, you should fix defects before you put your house on the market.

Listings are most salable when they're new on the market. To maximize your opportunities, your house not only needs to be priced right and properly prepared for sale, you also need a comprehensive marketing plan. You want to make sure that information about your listing reaches as many potential buyers as possible. We provide all of this information for our sellers.”

The ERA Justin Realtor professionals are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when reviewing the sale of their house. They provide you with a marketing plan with samples of the marketing materials that will be used to promote your house, as well as strong Internet exposure. As reported, 90 percent of today's homebuyers start their house search on the Internet and ERA Justin Realty promotes its listings on over 50 local, regional and national websites. Two such Internet websites to search 1000’s of houses include www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Darby continued, "A listing on the Internet isn't enough, though. Buyers don't look at listings that don't have photos. You can gain an edge on the competition if multiple photos and a video tour of your house is on the Internet as soon as your house is opened to the market. It's important to have a good working relationship with your Realtor professional. For these reasons, lists of sellers who had positive experiences buying their house through our firm then decide to list with our Realtor who represented them as buyers. Selling through an outside area discount brokerage firm may result in a lower sale price, inadequate marketing with little knowledge of the area markets.

Your aim is to sell for the highest price possible, yet presenting your house to the market properly priced. Some sellers think it's a good idea to list at a price that's way under market value to generate a bidding contest and send the price higher. Be realistic and hope for multiple offers, always keeping in mind that overpriced listings won't sell. Your house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time.

Our ERA Justin Realtor professionals who are active in your area will be able to advise you about an effective list price for your home. We offer our Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), a comprehensive study of your house in comparison with others that are on the market, that have sold, that have expired, as well as the 2011 market update. It's offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office."

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award, from all across the ERA nation. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice. Their professional staff 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. 

SMART UPDATING YOUR HOUSE, AN ERA JUSTIN REALTY REPORT

  

ERA Justin Realtor professional Glenn Elliot shares a report on smart updating your house before a sale. Decades of real estate experience throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties continues to put Glenn in the forefront of real estate successes.

SMART UPDATING YOUR HOUSE, AN ERA JUSTIN REALTY REPORT

Keeping your home updated is sound advice. By making improvements along the way, you get the benefit and when it's time to sell, there's less to do. But how do you go about making decisions on what to purchase?

According to ERA Justin Realtor professional Glenn Elliot, “If you don't want to end up with the current equivalent of avocado appliances and brown shag carpet, you'll need to choose wisely. What may seem up-to-the-minute style-wise could end up costing you in the long run. Kitchen and bath improvements can be expensive, so home buyers would want to deduct that cost if your home seems outdated.

The variety of products available to homeowners is endless. And it's easy to quickly choose an item that looks perfect, only to find it doesn't look so stylish a few years later. So, think in practical terms when investing your improvement dollars.

Your kitchen may look crisp and clean without any overhead cabinetry, but you will need storage space for your dishes. So, take that need into consideration during the planning stage.

Go for a timeless, classic design when choosing major items and, if in doubt, think simplicity. Quality granite, ceramic tile and white fixtures will never go out of style.  You can then add accents that are easily changed out without breaking the bank.

Important improvements include good lighting, quality surfaces, plenty of storage and a floor plan that accommodates your needs. Prioritize your requirements and wishes to get an individualized look without being too trendy. It's a good idea to work with a designer, usually offered by retailers at no charge, to optimize your dollars, but be very specific about what you need and expect and what your budget will stand. When it's time to sell, you'll know you've made the right decisions and so will your grateful buyer.”

 Glenn continued, “Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies and our 700 testimonials from our buyers and sellers are examples of what we do each day. We ask buyers and sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what our Realtor professionals are 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 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’. Only outstanding ERA firms are honored and receive it. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

The ERA Justin Realty full service real estate consultants 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 .

Salvatore Macri Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

Salvatore (Sal) Macri recently joined ERA Justin Realty as a residential Realtor professional transferring from an area Century-21 realty firm. Sal's continuing education aimed at fine-tuning his abilities for quickly changing real estate markets keeps him on the cutting-edge of information for his buyers and sellers. Sal welcomes the opportunity to exceed your real estate expectations.

                     Salvatore Macri Joins the ERA Justin Realty Team

 Patience and attention to detail.  Sound familiar?  These are always important words at ERA Justin Realty, the firm that asks buyers and sellers to compare.  They state, “There is a difference in real estate companies,” and they live those words in their daily activities as well as with those who join their firm.

During Salvatore Macri’s interview process with the firm, he made it evident that his business philosophy includes patience and attention to detail as well as his personal goal, to offer the highest level of service throughout the entire buying and selling process to his buyers, sellers and company teammates.

Joining ERA Justin Realty, transferring from an area Century-21 real estate Company, Salvatore said, “My knowledge of ERA Justin Realty was through many sources, The South Bergenite newspaper where numerous informative articles are regularly published.  While meeting with Ron Darby, our broker, I learned of the level of excellence that the firm has attained over their 61 years in business, the many thousands of homes they’ve sold as well as the continuing referral business they have from satisfied buyers, sellers and now the children and grandchildren of these families.  I wanted to be part of this respected and successful organization. They are a leader in real estate.  The firm always is on the cutting-edge of the newest technologies for our buyers and sellers. The more education we attain, the better we are able to provide our clients and customers with the best service and care along the path to home ownership.”

A Rutherford resident for sixteen years, Sal has a deep love for animals, does ongoing fundraising for HIV/AIDS causes and supports marriage equality. His hobbies include the love of cooking and baking, even winning several awards for baking. He is also proficient in photography, which will give advantages when doing photos for his house listings.

Sal concluded, “My views toward real estate is fueled by my professionalism, experience and commitment to service in an area in which I have enjoyed living. I have extensive education in historical restoration and design, as well as years in private industry.  I’ve built my reputation with attention to detail. I welcome the opportunity to be your Realtor.”

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Broker added, “My business associates, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol Darby and I are pleased to have Sal join us. He attended an accredited New Jersey licensing school, passed his state examination added to his experience with a past Century-21 office and has further accomplishing training from ERA Acceleration agent training, an intense course that fine-tunes ones abilities to serve our area buyers and sellers.”

ERA Justin Realty, a “Top-100 ERA firm has received the ERA ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ for 2003 through 2010, one of ten, from all across the ERA nation, the most sought award that can be achieved. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

Sal and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service real estate consultants 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.