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.