New Year’s Resolutions For Home Buyers

New Year’s Resolutions For Home Buyers

 

Is buying a new home one of your goals for 2021?  Or maybe 2021 is the year you’re going to buy your first home?  If so, it’s never too early to start planning so you are ready when the time is right.  Mike Anderson, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty has the following recommendations for would-be homebuyers. 

 

Be Honest About Your Finances

“My first recommendation to clients is to honestly review your finances.  Start by comparing your monthly income and your spending habits,” Mike advises. “If you’re a first-time homebuyer, evaluate your discretionary expenses and determine where you can cut back to save toward a down payment. You’d be surprised at how quickly small savings can add up!”

 

Meet with a Local Lender 

“A local lender really understands the dynamics of the market and can provide personalized customer service,” Mike explains. “At ERA Justin, we have a few lenders we regularly recommend to our clients because of their knowledge of both their industry and the local market.” A local lender will be well-versed in both special programs for first-time homebuyers, and can help seasoned homeowners who are looking to move or buy a second home understand how much they can afford and what loan products exist to help them make their purchase a reality.  

 

Speak to a Trusted Realtor

Arguably one of the hardest parts of the process is hiring a Realtor®. “Make sure you pick an agent that is experienced, knowledgeable about the local market, and whose work style and personality is in alignment with yours,” Mike recommends.  “Your agent is your partner in the home buying process,” Mike continues, “So in addition to making sure you have similar styles, it’s important to be as specific as possible with your goals.  Do you want to buy or rent?  Are you buying your first home, an investment home, or a second property?”  The best agents will take the time to thoroughly review your goals so they can make the best recommendations at every step of the home buying process.

If homeownership is one of your goals for 2021, call Mike or any of the experienced professionals at ERA Justin Realty Co.  at 201-939-7500 to discuss your wish list and explore your options. 

 

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME

While 2020 may have been a bad year by many standards, from a real estate perspective, it was a good year.  Interest rates his all time lows, and for home sellers, that meant a great time to cash in.  These trends look to continue into 2021. So if you’re thinking about selling your home next year, Michelle Korosy, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty Co, has some advice for things you can do now to prepare to list your home.  

 

Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

“Hire a home inspector to do a thorough inspection of your home before you put it on the market,” advises Michelle. “This way you have plenty of time to make any necessary repairs and will be ready to go when you want to list.”  This will remove many objections that your potential buyers may have, and you also might benefit from a faster sale and higher selling price.

 

Start Decluttering Now

“Most people have no idea how much stuff they have until they decide to move,” Michelle continues. “Start going through your basement, attic, closets, spare room, and even your main living areas with the aim toward getting rid of everything you don’t want to move to your new home.” Donate it, sell it, give it away or throw it away! You want your home to look as spacious and clean as possible to attract buyers.  

 

Get a Head Start on Packing 

If you don’t need it for the next six months or so, pack it up. Holiday decor, seasonal items, sentimental items that remained after your decluttering -- all these can be packed now. “The less things you have in closets, the garage, or the basement, the more spacious your home will look and feel,” advises Michelle.  

 

Find a Good Realtor

Take the time to meet with several real estate agents to make sure you find someone who you can trust to help you through the multitude of technical and financial steps that are necessary. A good real estate agent will also be incredibly knowledgeable about the local market, so you can be sure that you get the best possible price for your home. 

 

ERA Justin Realty Co has received the number one ranking in closed sales in Rutherford for 20 consecutive years, and its agents have on average more than 10 years experience. Ready to sell your home? Contact Michelle or one of the other qualified real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.

 

 Selling Your Home During the Winter

Winter is here, and while bad weather used to discourage buyers from venturing out, the rise in virtual tours and online showings eliminates many of the old roadblocks that came with home sales in the winter season.  

“The biggest challenge for sellers in the winter season is the weather.  Even the brightest home can look dreary in inclement weather,” says Kristin Davis, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  “With a few simple touches to create a warm and welcoming ambience, your home can still shine during this selling season.”  

Clear a Path

Make sure walkways are shoveled clean of snow, and sprinkle a layer of sand or salt if freezing is a possibility. Place a rubber mat by the door for wet shoes and boots.  

 

Let the Light In

Open the blinds and push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. 

 

Keep it Warm

“Heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual before the showing, then reset to the usual temp,” recommends Kristin. “This will keep the HVAC system from going on during a buyer visit.” Keep the inside temps at a comfortable level -- 65 degrees should do it -- to give a buyer more incentive to linger.

 

Create a Mood

“Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home, so be sure to make your rooms appear warm, cozy, and inviting,” Kristin advises. Light a fire in the fireplace. Toss blankets or throws across the couch arms. Set your dining room table and add candles. A few subtle changes can go a long way.  

 

Turn On the Sound

Music can also set a mood. Play soft music - light jazz or classical are best bets -- throughout the house. Stream from a service like iTunes or Spotify so the music is continuous.  

 

Ease Up on the Scents

Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, and a closed house can intensify these smells, so don't use plug-in air fresheners or burn scented candles. 

 

Don’t let the winter season discourage you from putting your house on the market.  Call 201.939.7500 to speak to Kristin or any of the other knowledgeable sales associates at ERA Justin Realty to determine the best time to sell your home. 

Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

 

Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

December 21 is the first day of winter.  “According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re in for a snowy winter in the Northeast, with the possibility of a blizzard hitting sometime in early February,” says Glenn Elliot, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  With colder temperatures in the forecast, here are some easy tips to lower your heating bills and save money this winter season.

 

Use a programmable thermostat and use a lower setting. You will save up to 3 percent on your heating bill per degree lowered over a 24 hour period (or about 1 percent per 8 hours). A programmable thermostat can make this regulation easier and help you save 10-20% on your energy bill year round. Glenn suggests, “Program your heater to come on right before you wake up, cool down when you leave for work, warm up when you return from work, and go down again right before you go to bed. If you’re working from home, lowering your thermostat even one degree makes a difference.”

 

Change air filters monthly. Clean air filters permit a better flow of air through your heating system, allowing hot air to more easily flow through the vents and into your rooms. You also reduce the strain on your furnace, which can extend its life. 

 

Seal the leaks in your house. If you seal most of these leaks, you can save between 10-20% on your heating bill this winter. “Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings with caulk or weather stripping,” Glenn recommends. 

 

Add insulation to your house. Insulation helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out. This can not only save you money, but it can also be a tax-deductible home improvement which will give you an even better return for your investment!

 

Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can reduce your heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. There are other benefits to using a humidifier as well -- they reduce static electricity, ease dry skin, and make it easier to breathe. 

 

Most of these improvements are inexpensive and easy enough for just about anyone to do. But some are best handled by a professional.   Contact Glenn or any of the other experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500 to refer you to the trusted home maintenance and repair vendors in your area.

 The Financial Benefits of Home Ownership

Mortgage rates have hit new record lows 11 times in 2020, according to The Mortgage Reports. If you are ready to buy, it’s a fantastic time to lock in.

And while a low mortgage interest rate is a great reason to start your home buying journey, there are multiple financial benefits to home ownership. “Owning a home is a great way to build your long-term wealth,” says Julia Daglistanli, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty. “Instead of paying your landlord, you are paying toward your own investment.”

According to a report by Trulia, buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 37.4%. And while that alone may have you thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension, there are many other reasons to buy versus renting.  

Here are four more reasons why owning a home makes financial sense:

Mortgage payments can be fixed while rents go up. $485.6 billion was spent on rents in the U.S. in 2017, representing an increase of over $4.9 billion from the year before. What’s more, rents have increased consistently over the last 20+ years.

Equity in your home can be a financial resource later. “The equity built in your home can be borrowed against in the form of a home equity loan or home equity line of credit,” Julia explains. “Simply put, a home equity loan is essentially a ‘second mortgage’ that uses your home as collateral as you borrow an exact amount of money.”

A mortgage can act as a forced savings account. Each month, your housing payments go toward owning your home instead of renting it; building your personal wealth and assets instead of someone else’s.

Overall, homeowners can enjoy greater wealth growth than renters. According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, a homeowner’s net worth is 44.5 times greater than that of a renter ($231,400 vs. $5,200).

If you’re interested in learning more about how home ownership may benefit you,  call Julia or one of the other sales professionals at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500.

 

Selling Your Home in Today’s Marketplace

Are you thinking about selling your home to take advantage of the current real estate market, but a little worried about the process due to current health and safety concerns?

In a survey by Realtor.com, people thinking about selling their houses today indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They’re less comfortable, however, hosting an open house, which is understandable, given the health concerns our country is facing this year. 

“If you need to sell your house now, you should ask your realtor what virtual practices they have in place to ensure that everyone -- you, your family, and potential buyers -- is comfortable with the home showing and selling process,” says Fara Espandi, as sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  

Working with a trusted professional who is skilled with today’s changing virtual practices is critical during this current selling climate. “My colleagues at ERA Justin and I always abide by the recommendations given by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as well as state and local regulations,” Fara explains, adding, “We know what today’s buyers need and how to put the necessary steps in place. 

For example, according to the same realtor.com survey, when asked to select what technology would be most helpful when deciding on a new home, here’s what today’s homebuyers said, in order of preference:

• Virtual tour of the home

• Accurate and detailed listing information

• Detailed neighborhood information

• High-quality listing photos

“At ERA Justin, we have the tools and technology to promote your home in today’s marketplace, including virtual tours and access to professional photographers” Fara explains. “In addition, we have achieved the number one ranking in Rutherford closed sales for 19 years running.  If you want a neighborhood expert who can provide the accurate and detailed information buyers want, look no further than the sales associates ERA Justin.” 

 

If you’re ready to sell, contact Fara or any of the knowledgeable and professional sales agents at ERA Justin Realty to learn more about how to effectively navigate through today’s current landscape. You can reach us at 201.939.7500, or stop by our offices in Rutherford at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue in Rutherford.

 The Benefits of Working with a Team to Sell Your Home

When it’s time to sell your home, you need the experience, industry knowledge and local market expertise that only a real estate professional can provide. But what additional benefits does working with a real estate team offer to you, as a homebuyer or seller? And does your choice of real estate companies make a difference?  

The answer, of course, is YES. Danielle Sette, Jessi Davidson and Jennifer Zenquis of Team Sette Davidson explain the benefits of working with their team -- and all of the team -- at ERA Justin Realty. 

Increased Accessibility

When one member is unable to take your call or show you a property, there is another agent available to assist you. “In addition to having Team Sette Davidson at your service, we are also supported by an ‘agent on call’ at the ERA Justin front desk to make sure that no call goes unanswered,” Danielle explains, continuing, “And that also means we are more likely to connect with any interested buyers.”

Greater Pool of Knowledge

“When clients work with our team, they have access to our collective experience and expertise,” Jessi points out, adding “It’s a tremendous asset to share best practices for serving our clients with our broker and co-workers at ERA Justin.”

“Having a second opinion is always a benefit to the consumer,” adds Danielle.  “That’s why we also ask all the agents in our office to preview new listings through ‘caravan’ and offer their price opinions.  This way the consumer benefits from our entire office’s expertise as well.”

Streamlined and Effective Negotiation Process

“With so many moving parts, having a team on your side will help ensure that nothing gets lost in the shuffle,” says Jessi. 

“Not only are we able to discuss and bounce ideas off each other, but we have the backing of the entire team here at ERA Justin,” notes Jennifer. “When it comes to setting a price, making an offer, or coming up with leverage in a negotiation, we can tap into the collective knowledge, experience, and connections of the many experienced agents in our office.” 

To find out how Team ERA Justin can support your home buying or selling needs,  contact Team Sette Davidson, or any of our experienced sales professionals, at 201.939.7500 or stop by our office located at 118 Jackson Avenue in Rutherford.