Attending the ERA International Business Conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada is seated: Fara Espandi, Carol Calamari, Jennifer Darby Metzger. Standing: Glenn Elliot, Monir (Matt) Hanna and Ron Darby. Not pictured is Carol Darby

 

           ERA-JUSTIN RECEIVES TOP NATIONAL COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE HONORS

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES

Las Vegas - Excitement is in the air.  Within the awards hall, seated are national award professionals from all around the world.  After an awards dinner, Charlie Young, President and CEO of ERA Real Estate positioned himself at the podium.  The event had all of the trappings of the Academy Awards and the award presentations began. The award evening is equally important to Brokers and Agents as the Academy Awards, for this day they are recognized for their outstanding achievements.

Ron Darby Broker Co-owner of ERA Justin Realty attended with Carol Darby, Jennifer Darby Metzger Broker Co-owners, and Realtors, Glenn Elliot, Fara Espandi, Monir (Matt) Hanna and Carol Calamari.  All waited in anticipation as the presentations began. “Today we proudly present the ERA Commitment to Excellence Award to the best of the best. Companies with dedication to the needs of its customers, its community and those who consistently demonstrate service, ethics, values and other hallmarks of overall excellence are being honored. ERA Justin Realty is being honored for excellence for 2010.  This is the eighth consecutive year they have achieved these honors.”

Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby accepted the award from Mr. Young on behalf of the entire ERA Justin Realty team of Realtor professionals.

Jennifer stated, “To receive this achievement there is strict qualifying criteria that we achieved.  In addition to service to our customers, we must demonstrate our strength to our community, our business ethics and values and strong emphasis to our charitable efforts we practice each year.  This is an honor above all honors.  Our ERA Justin Realty staff of teammates work diligently each day.  Credit goes to them for their efforts. 

We proudly are different from other real estate firms. It is our challenge to not only meet the requirements of our Sellers and Buyers, but to exceed their needs in each transaction.  Our success is based on referrals from our Sellers and our Buyers.  Over the years, we have become the Realtor of choice for thousands.  This spring we are proud to offer at no cost or obligation our 2011 Spring Market Price Analysis, which will answer all real estate questions including market trends.  Invite us in, you will be pleasantly pleased with the full color report with photos, current market values, closed transactions and the market price range of your house.  It’s easy.  One quick phone call to our office will begin the process.  It is available at no cost or obligation.”

ERA Justin Realty serves from its two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By phone they can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 and (201) 438-SOLD.   View 1000's of listings on their websites, www.ERAJusitin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Share Knowledge on 2011 Timely Topics

ERA Justin Realty's best-of-the-best who have achieved outstanding 2010 status within the ERA Leadership Circle and the NJAR Circle of Excellence. They share timely topics with South Bergenite readers. Seated left to right: Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis.  Standing: Karen Kelly, Ilene Harpuder, Rosemarie Zembryski, Monir (Matt) Hanna, Glenn Elliot and Grace Tirrito

ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Share Knowledge on 2011 Timely Topics
In addition to being the ERA Justin Realty best-of-the-best Leadership Circle and Circle of Excellence achievers for 2010, Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Karen Kelly, Ilene Harpuder, Rosemarie Zembryski, Monir (Matt) Hanna, Glenn Elliot and Grace Tirrito have all offered their knowledge to South Bergenite readers on a variety of topics.  Throughout the year topics offered included, Moving and How It Affects Children, How Renters Can Become Buyers, Dollar For Dollar Return on Renovations, Empty Nesters and Returning Children, Avoiding the Money Pit, as well as other timely articles for buyers and sellers.
 

Although showing and selling real estate is a 365-day and night job for these ERA Justin Realtor professionals, their responsibilities go beyond what the public sees.  The firm has a vast resource library of important topics to share with the public.  These Realtors and their broker co-owners, Ron Darby, Carol Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger are always busy advising homeowners on topics that aid them in making sound real estate decisions regarding their homes. 

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” stated Ron Darby.  “Attending on-going advanced training, seminars, round-table discussions with industry leaders and focus groups is what we continually do at our firm, much more than many other area real estate firms.  We believe, in order to exceed seller expectations of what our firm is about, we don’t learn just the basics.  We want to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of us.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  To prove that our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of about 800 quotes and testimonials from our sellers and buyers.  No other area real estate firm can offer that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

In addition, ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA worldwide 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.

 All of the ERA Justin Realty Realtor professionals 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 http://www.erajustin.com/ and http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.



ERA Justin Realty’s Michelle Korosy Eases Buyer’s 2011 Concerns

Always focused, ERA Justin Realtor professional Michelle Korosy makes suggestions to buyers considering a purchase in the 2011 real estate market. Buyer's concerns are always considered with assistance to help make their transaction smooth sailing from pre-approval, negotiations, and contact processing through to closing day.

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Michelle Korosy Eases Buyer’s 2011 Concerns

 

Bergen County:  You've dreamed of home ownership and after a careful search, you've found the perfect one. So, what is this knot doing in the pit of your stomach? Why are you asking, “Did I make the right decision?” Or, “Interest rates are so low for my mortgage, is this the right time for me?” Buyers are no longer on the fence, they are out looking, starting their home search on the Internet, examining the large inventory of housing available and benefiting from the lowest interest rates in nearly fifty years. A home search website at http://www.erajustin.com/ is a perfect start for you.

Michelle Korosy, ERA Justin Realtor professional says, “Buyers nationally are off the fence. They now understand that low interest rates will not last forever and as rates rise, it limits their buying power with many having the market eliminate them as qualified buyers. Truthfully, you're faced with the realization that buying a home could be the biggest purchase you'll ever make and you just put your name on a piece of paper that says you're obligated for possibly many years. Of course, you're nervous.  It's a common and understandable feeling. You've just stepped outside of your comfort zone. So, what do you do to keep these feelings in check?”

Michelle continued, “First, be aware that these feelings will subside, especially when you begin to count all the ways this new purchase will benefit you. You can begin deducting the interest you pay from your federal income tax. Check with your tax advisor for the benefits. And you'll be building equity with every payment and every improvement. Also keep in mind that property is almost always the one investment that continues to appreciate in value over time. And don't forget that you now have your own four walls to do with as you please; no more landlord to ask about your decorating ideas.

It should also make you more comfortable to remind yourself that the conservative banking industry likes you and thinks you're a good choice. Banks loan money to make money through interest payments. They see you as a good risk. So when your confidence may be a bit low, trust the bank's opinion of you and your ability to handle your mortgage. We always work with our buyers with suggestions for a mortgage pre-approval before entering a purchase contract.

Think ahead. You can pick up the keys to your very own home and begin moving in. Once you have things somewhat in place, you should feel proud of home ownership, especially when friends come by to congratulate you on what a great decision you've made. Home ownership is the dream of most people. With careful planning, solid budgeting and doing your homework, you've just made it all come true. So, settle in and be very proud of your accomplishments.”

Carol Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner added, “Lending institutions are in the mortgage business and are pleased to lend to approved buyers. We offer a wide variety of listings for sale in many price ranges. Michelle Korosy and our entire staff of Realtor professionals are ready to find the home that suits your needs. They will also be pleased to visit new potential sellers offering a complete written (CMA) Comparative Market Analysis including a 2011 update on pricing, real estate trends, current homes on the market, and information based on other area sales.  There is a difference in real estate companies and we at ERA Justin Realty always focus on the facts for our sellers, so they have the true information in making correct pricing determinations for the sale of their house. That’s how we strive each day to exceed buyer and seller expectations.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA worldwide 2003 through 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award. Only outstanding business entities are honored to receive it. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been a Realtor of choice for thousands of buyers and sellers and a consistent ERA Top-100 office throughout the entire ERA network.

 All ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor professionals can be reached at 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.

ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Offer The Joys of Historic Homes

The joys of historic homes are reviewed by ERA Justin Realtor professionals since certification by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Pictured left to right: Michael Dillon, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol Calamari, Daniel Weiner, Louise Bloomer and Fara Espandi. Not pictured is Rosemarie Zembryski

   
ERA Justin Realtor Professionals Offer The Joys of Historic Homes

Most of us appreciate the aesthetic value of historic homes, and have even been known to fall in love with them from time to time.

Michael Dillon, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Daniel Weiner, Louise Bloomer, Fara Espandi, Carol Calamari and Rosemarie Zembryski of ERA Justin Realty Co. have partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to increase educational outreach centering on the preservation of historic properties. Having this designation makes them familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, highlighting both high-style and vernacular buildings ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate rowhouses to modest Queen Anne cottages and mail-order bungalows.

Studying the work of authentic geniuses such as Henry Hobson Richardson, offbeat eccentrics such as Orson Squire Howler and Italian architects such as Andrea Palladio, their certifications focused on the Old World roots of American design.  This knowledge helps them to understand how the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe are reflected in a "gingerbread" house in Maine, how Thomas Jefferson's "love affair" with a Roman temple helped spark a national mania for Greek buildings and how the flat Midwestern landscape shaped Frank Lloyd Wright's bold Prairie Style. This in-depth knowledge gives these ERA Justin professionals the ability to characterize Old World features of a home that properly positions a historic home in today’s marketplace.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, speaking for the group said, “Real estate professionals like to offer as many kinds of properties to prospective customers as there are different personalities of buyers. And few real estate properties have more personality than a historic home.  By the standards of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, any structure at least 50 years old may qualify for historic-landmark status. This is determined by a home or other building's demonstration of particularly significant architectural features or now-rare styles, or its role in important past activities or events such as famous inventions, once-pivotal industries, presidential birthplaces or visits, etc.”

She continued,  “Such homes, although wonderful, present challenges, as restoring the historic character to a possibly-neglected house can be a costly and time-consuming effort. But there's much to be said for the personal satisfaction of remaking a house by your own effort, and restoring an example of America's past that can help keep us mindful and proud of our heritage. Also, where there are historic homes there are likely to be whole historic neighborhoods, which preserve and offer to the homebuyer just the kind of old-fashioned community qualities that today's home-seekers are craving and today's developers are trying to re-create.

If your home is on or considered eligible for local, state or national registers of historic places, various rules will be in effect for building materials, renovations, and uses of the structure which most fit the historical period in which it was built. Although these requirements can be an inconvenience, many states offer tax and other incentives for owning and rehabilitating historic homes found to meet historic-preservation officials' criteria. And owners of homes on government registers of historic places still have broad latitude in selling, altering and using their property.”

This ERA Justin Realty group are qualified real estate professionals who can help guide you through this rewarding but complicated area through their association with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  They have been certified in recognizing and appreciating the diverse styles of historic homes, and understanding the challenges faced and advantages available to customers wishing to buy and sell such properties.

All of these ERA Justin Realty full service real estate professionals 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 .

Fara Espandi and Glenn Elliot, Realtor professionals with ERA Justin Realty serve with others at Eva's Village where food programs are in place for the homeless with medical care and other comprehensive social services.

 

             ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot and Fara Espandi Continue Community Service

Glenn Elliot and Fara Espandi, Realtor professionals with ERA Justin Realty, a market leader headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey and serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties, along with other members of the New Jersey Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists (NJCRS) recently participated in the Bond, Boast and Build (BBB) Program at Eva’s Village in Paterson.

Eva's Village is a uniquely progressive and comprehensive non-profit social service organization dedicated to fighting homelessness and poverty. There mission is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, treat the addicted and provide medical and dental care to the poor with respect for the human dignity of each individual.

Glenn, Fara and the other NJCRS participants toured Eva’s and then helped in their soup kitchen serving about 150 homeless and working poor individuals. Eva's Village provides a wide range of services for the poor in New Jersey, including food, shelter, substance abuse treatment, primary medical and dental care and a variety of transitional and permanent housing options.

“Eva’s is sponsoring a open house for the community on March 22, 2011 from 10:30 AM – 12.00 PM. For more information on Eva’s visit their website at www.evasvillage.org,” stated Fara.

Fara and Glenn, both are Realtor professionals with ERA Justin Realty and have achieved the 2010 New Jersey Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence Bronze award and both hold the CRS, Certified Residential Specialist designation which is held by less than four percent of all Realtors nationwide. To receive the designation, a Realtor must complete strenuous educational programs and show high production as a residential real estate salesperson.

Glenn is also Secretary/Treasurer of NJCRS, New Jersey Certified Residential Specialist. Through it’s Chapter with a Heart Program, it has designated Eva’s Village as its charity this year. Glenn and Fara also raise significant funds to send children with Muscular Dystrophy to summer camp each year. Through their involvement with ERA Justin Realty and their outreach to all ERA real estate offices in New Jersey, collective donations currently approximate $250,000.00.

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award, for reasons including service to the communities they serve and have been selected from all ERA offices nationwide.

For more information, and to speak Fara and Glenn, consumers can reach them and the other ERA Justin Realtor professionals at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. 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 website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.  

Karen Kelly, ERA Justin Realtor professional shares consumer information for buyers and sellers. Karen achieved being in the top five income producers within the firm for 2010. Her listing and sales activities create activity throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

         ERA Justin Realty’s Karen Kelly Offers Consumer Information

“ERA Justin Realty is making available to the public a valuable resource to help consumers with their most frequently asked questions about buying and selling a home. ANSWERS®, ERA's real estate reference book, provides ‘plain English’ explanations to help consumers feel more comfortable about the home buying and selling process,” stated Karen Kelly, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty.

The ANSWERS® book is based on questions that ERA brokers hear most frequently. According to Karen, "The ANSWERS® book takes the most important things that we have learned over the years helping customers, and organizes it to help consumers feel more confident about home buying and selling. ANSWERS® is available to consumers free of charge by viewing it on our website http://www.erajustin.com/ under the Buying and Selling tabs on our home page.”;

Both current and new homeowners will find sound advice, inside tips and honest answers to a multitude of questions about the real estate process in the ANSWERS® book. The book contains sections on home buying and selling and includes a glossary of needed real estate terms. 

Karen continued, “ANSWERS® is designed to help consumers better prepare for the home buying and selling process. Additional information from our Realtor professionals include information providing sellers with a list of easy things they can do to improve the process.”;

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2010 ERA ‘;Commitment to Excellence Award’;, one of the most sought awards that can be achieved for service to buyers, sellers and the community efforts they serve including their charitable events.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. Additionally the firm has once again achieved being an‘ERA Top-100’; firm worldwide bringing accolades to the firm from ERA corporate as well as from other ERA real estate firms in the network. 

Consumers interested viewing the ANSWERS® book can view it on line at http://www.erajustin.com/ or call or visit Karen or any of the ERA Justin Realty Realtor professionals at either of their two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue and by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SELL.