What If I Need to Sell My Home Now?

 

Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. Mike Anderson, REALTOR Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty states, “If you’ve had a major life change recently, whether with your job or your family situation, you may be in a position where you need to sell your home – and fast. While you probably feel like timing with the current pandemic isn’t on your side, making a move is still possible.”  Rest assured, with technology at your side and fewer sellers on the market in most areas, you can list your house and make it happen safely and effectively, especially when following the current COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You may have a new baby, a new employment situation, a parent who moved in with you, just built a home that’s finally ready to move into, or some other major part of your life that has changed in recent weeks. Buyers have those needs too, so rest assured that someone is likely looking for a home just like yours.

People are spending a lot of time on the Internet right now, given the stay-at-home orders implemented across the country. Buyers are actively looking at homes for sale online. Some of them are reaching out to real estate professionals for virtual tours and getting ready to make offers too. 

There Is Less Competition Right Now

Some sellers are temporarily removing their homes from the market right now. This can definitely work in your favor. If other sellers are removing their listings, your home has a better chance of rising to the top of a buyer’s search list and being seen. Keep in mind, listings will pick up again soon, as most sellers are only planning to delay the process by a couple of months. If you need to sell right now, don’t wait for the competition to get back into the market again.

This year, delayed listings from the typically busy spring season will push into the summer months, so more competition will be coming to the market as the pandemic passes. Getting ahead of that wave now might be your biggest opportunity.

The real estate agents at ERA Justin Realty are working hard every single day under untraditional circumstances, utilizing technology to help both buyers and sellers who need to continue with their plans. We’re using virtual tours to show homes currently on the market, staying connected with the buyers and sellers through video chats, and leveraging resources to complete transactions electronically. We’re making sure the families we support remain safe and can keep their real estate needs on track, especially as life is changing so rapidly. 

To contact Mike Anderson or any of our real estate professionals to discuss your real estate needs, call 201.939.7500.

Selling With Curb Appeal

Selling With Curb Appeal

First impressions do matter, especially in real estate. When selling your home, the tremendous importance of making a good first impression cannot be overstated. There’s not a seller out there who would want potential buyers to drive by and keep going because they do not like what they see on the outside. Buyers might be less likely to check out the rest of a house if the outside is rundown or unattractive—even if the interiors are stunning. If you’re looking to sell your house, great curb appeal will not only help you sell your home faster, but it can help the value as well. Kristen Davis, Realtor Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty provides a few tips on giving your curb appeal a boost.

“During this time of home quarantine, sellers can start to work cleaning up their home on the inside and outside to get their house ready to sell”, Kristen says.  Buyers start making assumptions about a home well before they step inside. Taking the time now to ensure your home looks its best both inside and out will help sellers get the best price possible.
Here are simple, quick, and affordable strategies you can deploy to give your curb appeal a boost and entice buyers to view your home in person.

Power-wash
Give your home a scrub! Make sure your power-washing includes all brick, siding, walkways, and decks/porches.

Paint The Front Door
Your front door should speak to your home’s style. Make sure you pick a complementary color to the siding that will make a buyer feel welcomed.

Landscape
Get to work and mow, rake, weed, mulch, and trim! Pay extra attention to overgrown trees, bushes, and bare patches. Be sure to plant some colorful blooms to create that visual impact.

Illuminate Your Space
You’ll most likely do showings during the day, but just in case prospective buyers drive by at night, you’ll want to make sure it’s attractive 24/7.  Add lighting along pathways and porch entrances for a touch of elegance.

Windows
Make sure all windows are cleaned and dusted, and don’t forget the window sills. People will be looking at the windows to get an idea of how much natural light they allow into the home—and clean windows make a big difference.

Be ready for the rebound. The market will open back up and buyers will be coming out in full force! If you keep your curb appeal up to snuff, your home will be first on their list and can sell at a good value and in a reasonable amount of time.

To connect virtually with Kristen Davis, or any of our real estate agents, to get your house ready to sell, call 201.939.7500.

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. When you buy a home, you’re making an impact. You’re fulfilling your need for shelter and a place to live, and you’re also generating jobs and income for the appraiser, the loan officer, the title company, the real estate agent, and many more contributors to the process. For every person or business that you work with throughout the transaction, there’s also likely a team behind the scenes making it all happen, so the effort multiplies substantially. 

Glenn Elliot, Real Estate Broker Associate at ERA Justin Realty offers, “And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.” Below are some tips Glenn offers buyers who are currently on the search, or thinking about buying a home: 

1. Get Pre-Approved. Pre-approval for a mortgage will give you a better understanding of what you can afford and it shows you are a serious buyer. Gather the necessary paperwork like income verification, credit history, and any documentation on assets while you’re spending time at home and reach out to a lender for assistance.
2. Virtually Connect With An Agent. Today, more than ever, it’s important to start working with a trusted real estate advisor, so you are ready to move quickly when it’s time. Whether you chat by phone or video, a real estate professional can help you understand how to navigate the changing dynamics of today’s market without bringing your plans to a standstill.
3. Do Your Research. This is a great time to investigate down payment assistance programs, if necessary, especially if you think you may benefit from a low down payment option when you make a home purchase.
4. View Listings Online. You may not be able to check out some of the homes that interest you right now, but you can still look online for what’s available. Our office is doing virtual open houses and virtual tours and can help you start the process.

As a buyer, you have an essential need for a home – and you can make an essential impact with homeownership, too. That need for shelter, comfort, and a safe place to live will always be alive and well. And whenever you’re able to act on that need, whether now or later, you’ll truly be creating gains for you, your family, local business professionals, and the overall economy.

To connect virtually with Glenn, or any of our real estate professionals to help with your home buying needs, call 201.939.7500.

Changes to How Real Estate Is Being Conducted These Days

 

Changes to How Real Estate Is Being Conducted These Days

Many industries are being hit hard by the Coronavirus pandemic. Real estate is one of them. ERA Justin Realty is focused on the safety of its agents, other agents, clients, and the community. We will continue to work hard to help you stay informed and answer any real estate questions you have. So, you may ask, are real estate companies conducting business nowadays? Should I list my house for sale during this pandemic? Should I look to buy a home at this time? The answer is yes, yes, and YES! 

 

Should I Put My House Up For Sale?

The market has continued to stay quite active, and we do still believe this is a good time to sell, as we anticipate lower inventory, and swifter decisions from the serious Buyers that are currently in the market. 

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker for ERA Justin Realty states, “If you are considering putting your house on the market, you should do it now. It will allow the process to get started while you get your house in order to show. Likewise, don't take your property off the market. Now more than ever, people have time to look for homes. Fewer distractions while they are stuck at home. There is a lot of online looking right now. If you have a good house that is priced well, it will sell.”

 

Our ERA Justin Agents are fully equipped to handle all showings and open houses virtually.  Should a buyer want to move forward with the purchase of your home, we have the ability to move the transaction along online through e-Signing capabilities of all legally required documentation.

Should I Actively Look For Homes At This Time?

Many people who are considering buying now may be swayed by other benefits of homeownership: control and certainty. Mortgage rates

are still historically low. You can get a stable monthly housing payment and may never have to refinance. You’ll have the comfort of knowing the place is yours as long as you make that payment.

Closing The Deal

We are closely monitoring industry news and any changes that would affect the housing process. As such, last week, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they are allowing temporary flexibilities to their requirements including verbal employment verification and exterior-only inspection appraisals or desktop appraisals. 

Tips for Doing the Final Walkthrough Before Closing a Home

Final walkthroughs aren't home inspections. They're not a time to begin negotiations with the seller to do repairs or a contingency of sale. The primary purpose of a final walkthrough is to make sure the property is in the condition in which you agreed to buy it and is the last task you will do as a homebuyer, before you become owner.

Fara Espandi, Realtor Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty states, “Buyers are often pressed for time as the transaction closing date draws near. Some buyers ask if they need to be present during the final walkthrough. I always advise my buyers to come to the walkthrough because issues can come up, and could potentially hold up the closing date or cause issues after the buyers move in.”

What to Check During a Final Walkthrough

During the walkthrough you will want to check for any remaining, unresolved issues with the home. First and foremost, make sure your real estate agent is with you! Do not perform the final walk-through without your real estate agent. You’ll need a professional who has a thorough understanding of the home buying and selling process. Your agent should be able to follow up with the listing agent about any post-inspection repairs, changes and contract legalities. Having a seasoned professional in your corner also helps make your walk-through a more seamless experience. Below is a sample checklist of what to bring or verify at the walkthrough.

• Copy of contract, notepad, camera
• Copy of inspection report (to verify final repairs were completed)
• Verify if seller left behind warranties and receipts for work that was repaired
• Check to make sure all items that were supposed to be included in sale are there
• Test every light fixture
• Run water and check for leaks 
• Test all appliances
• Check doorbell
• Check garage door openers
• Open and close all doors throughout house
• Flush toilets
• Inspect ceilings, wall, and floors
• Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans
• Test the heating and air conditioning
• Open and close windows
• Make sure all debris is removed from the home
• Check for evidence of pest issues
• Is the landscaping as you remembered it? 

As a buyer, express your concerns right away if you have any questions while performing the final walkthrough. Fara says, “Finding a significant problem during the final walkthrough can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.” 

Ready to buy? Fara Espandi or any of our ERA Justin Realty agents are here to help guide you through the process. Contact us at 201.939.7500 to see why we’ve sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than our nearest competitor.

 

Congratulations to Our NJ REALTORS Circle of Excellence Winners

Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby, Broker/Owners of ERA Justin Realty Co in Rutherford are proud to congratulate eighteen of its agents for being named the New Jersey Association of Realtors (NJAR) 2019 Circle of Excellence Sales Award winners. NJAR recognizes top producing real estate members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship. 

“It is very exciting to have and recognize 18 outstanding recipients under one roof”, boasts Darby. “One Gold, Two Silver and Fifteen Bronze is an amazing accomplishment and we couldn’t be more proud of them. These agents are passionately committed and extremely dedicated to achieving the ultimate goal for their clients.  They demonstrate outstanding sales ability and a vast knowledge of the real estate market.  Their service and dedication are what epitomize our values for over 50+ years.”

This year’s Gold Level Award winner is Libera “Lee” Schilare. 

Silver Level Award winners are: Carol Calamari and Fara Espandi

The Bronze Level Award winners are: Beth Albanese, Julia Dagistanli, Jessica Davidson, Kristen Davis, Glenn Elliot, Joana Iliescu, Michelle Korosy, Margaret “Peggy” McLaughlin, Catherine Nimmo, Sharon Robie, Danielle Sette, Jennifer Sullivan, Grace Tirrito, Catherine “Cathy” Vick, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

In addition to recognizing these agents, Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby are delighted to announce that its highly professional and knowledgeable agents sold 3 times more homes in Rutherford than the nearest competitor, based on statistics from NJMLS, once again establishing itself as the #1 Brokerage in the Rutherford, NJ area for the 19th year in a row. “We are thrilled to be able to say we achieved this position in the marketplace once again,” Darby says. “We will continue to bring value to our clients, providing the highest level of customer experience. It is our absolute honor to service our community.”

ERA Justin Realty Announces Five Star Professionals Award Recipients

Real estate is a hyper local business and what matters most isn’t the volume of transactions one accomplishes, but rather it’s each client’s experience with their own transaction.  ERA Justin’s transaction growth continues to be fueled by satisfied clients who refer their friends and family and return for help with their real estate needs. The positive consumer experience has led to nine of our agents being recognized with the prestigious Five Star Professionals award for 2020: (pictured left to right) Rosemarie Zembryski, Julia Dagistanli, Jessica “Jessi” Davidson, Libera “Lee” Schilare, Beth Albanese, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Catherine “Cathy” Vick, and Michelle Korosy (not pictured).

About Five Star Professionals

Five Star Professional has partnered with New Jersey Monthly Magazine to recognize the top real estate professionals based on consumer feedback and experience. The Five Star Real Estate Agent award program is the largest and most widely published real estate agent award program in North America, covering more than 40 major markets.

The 5 Star Award process starts with a 3rd party nomination. Winners are determined by a series of factors, the most important of which are results of client and industry peer evaluations on key criteria critical for an excellent client experience. Thousands of homebuyers and sellers are contacted to rate their real estate agent on various points, including customer service, integrity, Market knowledge, communications, negotiation, closing preparation, post-sale service, finding the right home, marketing of home, and overall satisfaction

Likewise, real estate industry peers are asked to evaluate real estate agents on four criteria: Industry expertise, customer service skills, Market knowledge, and negotiation skills.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty states, “We are grateful for every referral and every returning client, as each represents proof that our highly professional agents are succeeding in delivering on our promise of 5-star customer service.”