ERA Justin Realty Report, “Find it, negotiate it, and buy it”

Find it, negotiate it, and buy it. Important advice for buyers in today's real estate market, suggested by Jennifer Darby Metzger who has been a focused broker business co-owner of ERA Justin Realty for many years. Her approach to her buyers and sellers has made her a Realtor of choice to hundreds as she continues to focus on buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

ERA Justin Realty Report, “Find it, negotiate it, and buy it”

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner explains,

“There is a expanded group of motivated sellers who have priced their houses correctly to the market so it may be the first one to sell. There is also an expanded group of buyers who want to buy, but many err by not buying the house they find that meets their needs, because they feel that a better one may be just around the bend. This, time and time again works against these buyers. Strong market demands for a properly priced house, low mortgage interest rates and being in competition with many other buyers may not give them a chance to return to that perfect purchase as it might be gone within a day or so. They then continue their quest, unsuccessfully comparing all others to the house they might have purchased, but lost to another buyer.

When quality features, affordable pricing, location and other amenities all come together, don’t hesitate. When a prime listing comes on the market, there is usually more than one buyer making offers. Consider yourself lucky if you find your dream house, or close to it, early on in your house search. It’s usually better to be first than sorry. Don't skip this great listing just because you found it quickly. There will be a comfort level of value, as your lender will be making a detailed appraisal of value before finalizing a mortgage commitment for you. New underwriting guidelines require that the lender's appraiser provide comparable sales information for the past three months. Now, lenders' underwriters are sensitive to the state of the local market in question.  This will increase your comfort level.

As you go through the buying process with one of our ERA Justin Realtor professionals, we will provide you with comparable sales information. You'll learn about current listings in the neighborhood that are similar in size and condition, as well as the most recently sold listings.”

  

“At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase.  We live it every day.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA worldwide 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award.’  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice during our 61 years in business,” concluded Jennifer. 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service sales 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology and information awaits you at http://www.erajustin.com/ and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY AGENTS HOLD YARD SALE TO SEND YOUNGSTERS TO MDA SUMMER CAMP

Supportive residents came out to support the Muscular Dystrophy yard sale coordinated by ERA Justin Realtor professional Fara Espandi. A bit of this and a bit of that added to a successful fundraising day for the MDA kids summer camp program. Pictured is the ERA Justin Realtor team, Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari, Adrian Tridel, Fara Espandi and Realtor-in-training, Logan Tridel. Not pictured, Kevin Jurik.

 

ERA JUSTIN REALTY AGENTS HOLD YARD SALE TO

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 year through the efforts of Fara Espandi who coordinated a yard sale with the help of Adrian Tridel, Cathy Vick, Carol Calamari and Kevin Jurik, who plan to visit the MDA Summer Camp on VIP day to be with the kids.

Fara Espandi, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty 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.  Besides our yard sale, we reach 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 are pooled in an effort to send children to the tri-state MDA summer.  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 donate, the MDA youngsters will enjoy fun in the country in a structured environment.  We hope to exceed our past regional totals with our broker Ron Darby who is the ERA chairman for MDA New Jersey.  With the help of my teammates, I hope to be the 2011 Labor Day MDA Telethon presenter and ERA phone bank coordinator at the Telethon television studios.”

Adrian Tridel, added, “Each year MDA supports some 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 for our MDA Summer Camp fundraising activities.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call us at (201) 939-7500,” stated Cathy Vick.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY REVIEWS BEST DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR IMPROVEMENT RETURNS

 

Carol Darby, ERA Justin Broker Co-owner shares market insights about home renovations for sellers. Due diligence should be considered prior to beginning major renovations. The firm is known for their listing and sales activity throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

                        

ERA JUSTIN REALTY REVIEWS BEST DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR  IMPROVEMENT RETURNS

“It would be nice if you could count on getting one dollar back when you sell your house for each dollar you invested in renovations. In reality, many improvements return less than the amount invested.

For example, in a past Cost Versus Value Report, published by the National Association of Realtors, as reported by Inman News, nationally, the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and 79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel. In the current real estate market, the ability to recoup large investments will be modified even more.

Does this mean that remodeling is a waste of your time and money? No, but it's important to do due diligence investigations before embarking on a remodel project. There are many variables to consider,” explained Carol Darby, Broker Co-owner of ERA Justin Realty Co.

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “First, consider that the figures quoted were national averages. The amount recouped on a remodel depends in large part on where you live and market sales in your area. The return on a remodeling investment will also depend on the value of your home, particularly in relationship to the value of homes in your neighborhood that have sold and closed. It's important to keep costs in line so that you don't end up over-improving your home for the neighborhood. Current market conditions dictate that buyers discount a home that's priced above the value of other homes in the neighborhood. Before remodeling, it's also important to consider your competition. In some areas, certain remodeling projects are taken for granted. For instance, if you're in an upscale neighborhood of older homes where most homeowners have remodeled their kitchen and bathrooms, you may be penalized price-wise by the market if your home is outdated. With this in mind, you're more likely to recoup your investment over the long term. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership. And, don't discount the value of creature comfort, a certain sense of well being to be derived from a home that suits your lifestyle.  Despite these factors, from an investment standpoint, it makes sense to consider resale value before making an investment in a major renovation. If you're aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it's wise to consider home buyer preferences in your area. If your remodeling is not in tune with what buyers want, it could actually decrease the value of your home. Also keep in mind that while trends change, quality and good taste are timeless.  The NAR Cost Versus Value Report was based on professional judgment rather than on actual sales data. Therefore, the report is somewhat subjective. However, it does point out the importance of carefully considering before remodeling.

At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase.  We live it every day.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA worldwide 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award.’  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice, during our 61 years in business.” 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service sales 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology also information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Report: Be Selective When Picking a Real Estate Agent

Grace Tirrito, a career Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty has served the buying and selling needs of residents throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Residing in Lyndhurst, her stellar reputation began locally, quickly spreading throughout surrounding communities during her long career as being a Realtor of choice to hundreds of buyers and sellers. Grace shares insight about selecting your real estate agent.

 

    ERA Justin Realty Report: Be Selective When Picking a Real Estate Agent

According to Grace Tirrito a Realtor agent professional with ERA Justin Realty, and a market leader since 1950, “For those who plan to buy or sell, this information may be very beneficial.  Bring together the right real estate team headed by the Realtor agent professional you choose. In this new and detailed real estate market where buyers, sellers, lenders, inspectors are strongly regulated, one should know the details so they can be successful in their purchase or sale.

Real estate training of Realtor agent professionals is necessary as the regulations governing real estate transactions go through continuous transition, and as in any business, there are trained real estate agents and those who may be simply a best friend of a buyer or seller who practices real estate on a limited basis and may not know the laws that govern the transaction, limiting a buyers or sellers ability to be successful in the transaction.  It is not always how many years a firm has been in the business or number of homes sold. Select your Realtor agent and firm who provides excellence in service.  Realtor agents who do a lot of business and are constantly trained have a wealth of experience to draw from that can be helpful when problems arise.”

Jennifer Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker and co-owner stated, “Too many times in our industry listings are taken far above the market value and above pricing proven by a comprehensive (CMA) comparative market analysis. Some listings taken by a brokerage with unrealistic pricing will sit on the sidelines as new properly priced listings come to the marketplace and are quickly sold. Additionally with the newer strict federal and/or state appraisal restrictions, appraisers rely solely on comparable closed sales within recent months, meaning that current proper pricing is a must in order for the house to pass the approval and mortgage lending requirements.

Be sure you are presented with a critical and complete CMA report detailing current homes for sale, those that have sold and closed and those that have expired because they did not sell.  All sellers are entitled to know the entire story so they can make an educated decision as to the proper pricing of their house when placed on the market. At ERA Justin Realty, our Realtor agents are trained to bring exacting information to our sellers.  Once done, our buyers can be confident that the house they are considering and purchased should appraise for mortgaging as long as the buyers are qualified for the loan.  This is must for the services that we provide at ERA Justin Realty.  Our Realtor agents owe a great degree of focus and responsibility to those sellers who list their houses with us.”

Grace continued, “It’s typical for a seller to be swept into the enthusiasm of a Realtor agent who speaks positively about your house, but in this current market that agent is under a strong degree of responsibility to advise the current pricing and what pricing is not realistic. We make the process easy by offering our references report, ‘What people are saying’ consisting of nearly 800 quotes and testimonials from satisfied buyers and sellers.”

Jennifer concluded, “We build strong rapport and  trust. You'll be working with one of our Realtor agent professionals throughout the transaction.  Working with one of our trusted Realtor agents is easy when you respect, trust and communicate well together. Request many references, not just one or two. We are one successful team of Realtor agent professionals. In 2011, as in previous years, we're noted as a ‘Top-100’ ERA real estate firm from nearly 3,000 ERA firms worldwide. Our references, quotes and testimonials are yours to be reviewed, simply for the asking.  We have been a Realtor of choice for multi-thousands of buyers and sellers since we first opened our doors in 1950.  Equally impressive is our relationship with Cartus, the worlds largest corporate relocation/referral real estate network representing fortune 500 companies, for their clients in buying and selling in our marketing areas of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Refer to our marketing of our listings on more than seventy five websites.  These corporate relationships bring more selling and buying opportunities for all.”

Contact any of ERA Justin Realty’s Realtor agent professionals at their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 and (201) 438-SOLD.  Also view 1000's of homes at their websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com

ADRIAN TRIDEL EASES BUYER CONCERNS: A GREAT TIME TO BUY AND SELL

Adrian Tridel, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty is a career professional who began his career with Weichert Realtors, now continuing his listing and sales responsibilities with ERA Justin Realty in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. His current report offers suggestions for buyers and sellers.

ADRIAN TRIDEL EASES BUYER CONCERNS: A GREAT TIME TO BUY AND SELL

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, 'What have I gotten myself into?'

Adrian Tridel, ERA Justin Realtor professional says, “You may have a classic case of Buyers Remorse. We all get it, whether you purchased a house, a car or that special pair of shoes. It's a psychological phenomenon that attacks without warning, especially if you've made a major purchase. It's that feeling that usually sets in about the time the ink is dry on the documents you've just signed. You're faced with the realization that you're tied to this purchase for a very long time. Buying a home could be the biggest purchase you've ever made and you just put your name on a piece of paper that says you're obligated for possibly many years. Of course, you're scared. It's a common and understandable feeling. You've just stepped way outside of your comfort zone. So, what do you do to keep these feelings in check?”

Adrian continued, “First, be aware that you’re purchasing at a time when mortgage interest rates are the lowest in nearly fifty years. Next realize that there is a large inventory of houses to choose from. Third, understand that sellers are motivated and pleased to work with qualified buyers on price to bring a successful purchase and sale.  Your concerns 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 to be calculated with help from your tax advisor.  And you'll be building equity with every payment you make. Also keep in mind that property is almost always, over future years, the one investment that continues to appreciate in value. 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 ultra conservative banking industry likes you and thinks you're a good choice. Banks loan money to make money through interest payments. Once qualified, they see you as a good risk. So when your confidence is iffy, trust the bank's rather sterling opinion of you and your ability to handle this obligation.

So now you can pick up the keys to your very own home and begin moving in. Once you have things somewhat in place, you should start to feel confident, 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, “We have qualified buyers with mortgage pre-approvals awaiting just the right house. Adrian Tridel 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 with a complete written (CMA) Comparative Market Analysis featuring 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 the biggest decision of a lifetime, the sale of their house at a price consistent with market demands. That’s important in making a decision in hiring us their representative.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA worldwide 2003 through 2010 Commitment to Excellence Award.  All across the nation it is one of the most sought awards that can be achieved in the ERA real estate network. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.

All of the ERA Justin 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 1000s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Rosemarie Zembryski Suggests Dressing Your House For a Good Showing

ERA Justin Realtor professional Rosemarie Zembryski suggests dressing your house for a good showing. A career agent with the firm, Rosemarie is active in residential listings and sales throughout Bergen County. She and the firm is further active in Essex, Hudson and Passaic counties and enjoys a sixty-one year history as a real estate market leader.

Rosemarie Zembryski Suggests Dressing Your House For a Good Showing

 

As important a landmark as buying a home is in people’s lives, you'd be surprised at how much of it can turn on snap decisions. If you're selling a house you'll have to put careful thought into customers’ first impressions, because many sales will be made or lost before they reach the front door – or as soon as they walk through it.

ERA Justin Realtor professional Rosemarie Zembryski offers a menu of possible ‘first impression’ areas that an owner may want to consider.  “First consider curb appeal – the feeling customers get from the upkeep of the house and grounds, and how comfortable this makes them imagining themselves as a resident. You want to do everything you can to make them see your house as their house, both outside and in.  A new paint job is an investment that may pay for itself, and neat landscaping – trimmed shrubs, new flowers – puts your prospective buyers in just the right frame of mind. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms should be in sparkling condition – these rooms are known to be what makes up many home-seekers’ minds. Removal of clutter is crucial.

The less belongings you have crowding your rooms and closets, the bigger the home will appear, and the easier it will be for potential buyers to envision placing their own possessions there. Put some things in storage if you need to, or hold a garage sale to help cut down on some of the build-up you were going to clear out for moving anyway.  For buyers picturing themselves in your home, it’s also good to present the house in as general taste as possible – personal memorabilia, collectibles, and eccentric wall colors and furnishings should go out with the clutter. Repainting rooms in a neutral white also helps convey the sense of spaciousness.  Clean windows, fresh flowers, and other small details with big impact – they're what you want to remember. From major improvements to subtle touches that tip the scales in your favor, the features of a house that we often take for granted could be the ones that determine your home selling success. According to the National Association of Realtors^®, curb appeal alone accounts for half of all home sales.”

Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner added, “Our team of Realtor professionals can assist all ERA Justin Realty sellers with suggestions for staging their house before it is placed on the market. Just one tip can make a big difference to potential buyers, which has resulted in sales, time after time during our firm’s sixty-one year history.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2010 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,’ as a premier ERA real estate firm across the nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

 The ERA Justin Realty sales 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) 939-7500   (201) 438-0588   (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/