ERA Justin Realty Report: More Bang for your Home Improvement Bucks

Fara Espandi, ERA Justin Realtor is a production leader at the firm with multi-millions in sales and listings sold. Her focus brings successes for her buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. She brings tips to readers for the 2012 real estate market.

 

ERA Justin Realty Report: More Bang for your Home Improvement Bucks

ERA Justin Realty, a real estate leader throughout South Bergen county deals with homes each day. Some are pristine and some call for improvements. 

Fara Espandi, a million dollar listing and sales producer with the firm shares her knowledge with these tips. “When you decide to undertake a major renovation or some minor home improvements, you may want to consider those improvements which could attract buyers and increase your profit if and when you sell your home. Should you put in a new kitchen or bathroom? Add a pool or new landscaping? Which improvements matter most and give the biggest return?

According to Fara, "The fact is the average American family stays in a home for  approximately seven years. Considering that your home is probably your most expensive asset, it makes sense to consult an ERA Justin Realtor to help identify those improvements that will appeal to more buyers and help it sell faster. Before taking on major home improvements, it is best to first take care of minor maintenance needs, such as fixing leaky faucets, grouting around tubs, cleaning gutters and so on. Buyers are more comfortable purchasing a well cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, it is more likely that what they cannot see has also probably been maintained.”

Fara continued, “Once basic maintenance needs are cared for, your real estate professional can be helpful in recommending home improvements that will increase the value of your home. For example, if you have extra funds to spend on one project in your home, and you are choosing between renovating your kitchen or adding a new in-ground pool, which do you think would increase the value of your home more?  Installing a new kitchen will generate a greater return when selling than a pool. Not all buyers want a pool, however, they all want an updated kitchen. 

Of all the rooms inside your home, pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. They should look modern, bright and as fresh as possible. According to a national survey of real estate professionals, 80 percent recommend kitchen and bath upgrades to bring a greater return.

Minor upgrades can also enhance the value of your property, according to the survey. Cleaning and de-cluttering go a long way to improving the sale of your home, and are recommended by more than 90 percent of surveyed agents. Agents also recommend adding light and brightness to a home with new lighting fixtures. Landscape improvements, fresh interior paint in a neutral color and removing old carpeting (to expose wood floors or to replace with new carpet) are also highly recommended.  Other home improvements that will attract buyers include an additional bathroom or a finished basement, if your budget permits.”

“For a survey of what improvements you are considering as well as a (CMA) comparative market analysis price opinion as to your home’s current  value, one of our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals will be glad to give you a comprehensive overview and written report, at no obligation” concluded Fara.

The entire staff at ERA Justin Realty stand ready to be of service.  Reach them at either of their two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue, or by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 933-SELL

ERA Justin Realty Buyer Report: No Time like the First Time

Carol D. Calamari, ERA Justin Realtor, offers positive tips for making your purchase a rewarding experience. Her professionalism, inventiveness, detail driven and an Emmy winner from her past television background brings focus to all she does at ERA Justin Realty.

 

ERA Justin Realty Buyer Report:  No Time like the First Time 

 

Are you a first time homebuyer? Time is still on your side, because financing rates are the lowest in decades and motivated sellers are offering great pricing and want to make a deal.

Carol Calamari, ERA Justin Realtor says, “Here are tips and hints so you can locate, negotiate and close on your new purchase within spring, 2012.  All  of our ERA Justin Realtor professionals stand ready with a great choice of homes that should fit your wish-list.  We work with our sellers to properly price their houses as well as new listings continually arriving.”

The firm has set forth these questions and answers to help make your housing decisions easy if you are contemplating the purchase of your first home.  As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion, and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.

Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?

It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.  One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs? Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen.  It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.

Question #2: Where should I begin the search?

That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires.  Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind? What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer which is available through ERA Justin Realty's search feature at www.ERAJustin.com.

Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me?

Homes have seldom been more affordable. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs and ERA Justin Realty can suggest a substantial list of area mortgage lenders who can assist in your mortgage pre-approval process; a necessity when negotiating a purchase. The last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of a professional who can give you the lowdown on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.

Carol concluded, “Once you've narrowed your search, talk to one of our ERA Justin Realtor professionals who serve the community you'd like to call home. Our Realtors are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. The path to finding your first home is sure to be full of positive twists and turns. Once you have the answers to the big questions,  searching can be fulfilling, and even fun.  We're here each day to assist you during this exciting time.”

Jennifer Darby, Broker co-owner added, “Because of our daily efforts, we received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,’ selected from offices all across the ERA nation, as well as 'What People are Saying, ' our buyer and seller testimonial commercials running on many area cable channels. For these reasons we hope to be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

The staff of 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 1000's of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com.” 

Lifelong Wood-Ridge resident makes ERA Justin his Realtor of Choice

Realtor professional Al Rottini has joined the ERA Justin Realty team. With a strong buyer and seller base, he will focus on residential real estate activity throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

 

Lifelong Wood-Ridge resident makes ERA Justin his Realtor of Choice

Albert "Al" Rottini, a lifelong resident of Wood-Ridge and married for 25 years to his wife Cindy have three children, Liz, A.J and Phil, determined it was time to follow his path to ERA Justin Realty to serve the buying and selling needs of those he knows throughout all communities of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

Broker Ron Darby stated, "Al joined us to make selling real estate his full time position as an ERA Justin Realty Realtor professional, knowing his responsibilities go beyond exceeding expectations of his sellers and buyers.”

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” added Michelle Korosy another Realtor at the firm.  “Attending ongoing advanced training, seminars, round-table discussions with industry leaders and focus groups is what we do at our firm, much more than many other area real estate firms.  We believe that in order to exceed sellers’ expectations of what a Realtor professional is about, we don’t have them learn just the basics.  We want them to learn, know and teach much more than is ever expected of them.  In that way, we know that our sellers and buyers will hold us all in the highest regard.

We are pleased to have Al join us. His vast business background includes thirty years of residential construction, an undergraduate in architecture and knowledge of older home maintenance.  His charitable background includes Melvin Jones Fellowship honors with Lions International, the highest recognition for a Lion which embodies humanitarian ideals of Lionism. He's being honored because he is a model of exemplarily service to his club and community he serves."

Al added, "My service work and charities are important to me. I bring that same philosophy to ERA Justin . I am here to serve my sellers and buyers, being it a first or repeat transaction. Buying and selling is one of life's big moments and I hope to be part of that experience with them. I am a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony Council at Assumption Church and I'm proud of my community work as a past Little League coach, soccer coach, biddy basketball and past Cub Master of Pack 183, Wood-Ridge."

ERA Justin Realty received the prestigious ERA 2003-2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’  from all across the ERA nation and were again cited as an ERA Top-100 realty firm.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice Al Rottini, part of the firm's action team  awaits your call.

The ERA Justin Realty full service 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 website at www.ERAJustin.com.