ERA Justin Realty Shows How To Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

ERA Justin Realtor salesperson Michelle Korosy gives direction as seasons change and cooler weather is near. A full time professional, Michelle services buyers and sellers throughout Bergen Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.  

 

ERA Justin Realty Shows How To Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

 The energy-efficient home is moving from the horizons of futuristic planners to the agenda of current homeowners, another in a series of articles for North Jersey Newspapers, from ERA Justin Realty, the company that shows their buyers and sellers; there is a difference in real estate companies, your Realtor of choice since 1950.

Michelle Korosy, a Realtor salesperson with the firm, offered, “As we approach cooler weather, It’s not so much a matter of newer technologies, though alternate energy sources like solar is making inroads in the modern home. It may be well worth it to give your home an efficiency upgrade. First, you'll want to figure out what needs fixing. To identify problem areas, contact a qualified professional and get an energy audit of your home. Some upgrades are simple and less expensive. For example, one common problem is insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that proper ceiling insulation alone can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 percent. Other energy draining can be solved by replacing old fixtures with more modern and efficient models. Windows, doors and skylights equipped with sealed double or triple panes also reduce heating and cooling costs, and are features for which utility companies often offer rebates. 

The EPA notes that air leakage from gaps in your home’s structure,  holes for plumbing and wiring, for instance,  accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy a common home uses for heating and cooling. Similar troubles come from inadequately sealed duct joints and otherwise inefficient, older heating and cooling systems.

Even conventional systems such as ventilation can release enough heat from your home to cost a fortune in unnecessary bills. Upgrading these systems can pay for itself, and later pay off as an attractive resale value when possible buyers of your home want to benefit from this form of savings. 

And when you’re ready to go from finding the problem to fixing it, the government doesn’t just supply the bad news, it provides some solutions, as well. The EPA’s Energy Star rating has appeared on numerous products, identifying efficient appliances and other home furnishings that enable vast savings. Energy Star central air conditioners can save approximately 20 percent on cooling bills. 

Studies have shown the resale advantages of homes with lower energy costs. Look for such solutions, and buyers may be more likely to look into your home. Your utility bills, Energy Star fact sheets and other documentation can be attractive proof to present to prospective buyers.

In the short term, you can save on some of these improvements even as they help enhance your home’s value. In addition to offering expert advice and home-selling solutions, real estate brands such as ERA Justin Realty, feature the Select Services^SM network of national and local vendors with leading household products.

Consult an ERA Justin Realtor salesperson on how to navigate the options and opportunities available for the energy-conscious homeowner. Your investment in the future can have many returns right in the present.”

Korosy continued, “We are pleased to offer our ongoing consumer articles in the North Jersey Newspapers. Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our articles and our ERA Home Protection Plans are additional examples. Details are available. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate firm is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us in the highest regard and come to us to review our marketing plans when it is time to sell.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly is a real estate market leader since 1950 and has received the prestigious ERA national 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of a few ERA real estate firms from 2,600. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was also the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.’ Award. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

The ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons 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.



ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Help To Avoid Money Pit

ERA Justin Realty's June Incorvaia whose lifetime career has been serving buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties gives tips on avoiding the real estate money pit.

ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Help To Avoid Money Pit

Everyone has his or her own "house story." The Sheffields' saga began just days after they moved into their new home and continued throughout the first year. The pool pump broke, the built-in vacuum stopped working, and most devastating, the air conditioning system ceased operating on the first day of the summer heat wave. Thereafter, the Sheffield home was nicknamed  "The Money Pit." 

Fortunately, the Sheffields' had the forethought to purchase a home protection plan from their ERA Realtor, which covered all or some of the costs of repairing or replacing the broken home components.

June Incorvaia ERA Justin Realtor salesperson said, “The Sheffields’ story repeats itself thousands of times a day across the country.  It is for that reason that ERA Justin Realty has the ERA Home Protection Plan program available for both our Buyers and Sellers.”

Incorvaia continued, “A home protection plan safeguards a Buyer or Seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down. The ERA Buyer Protection Plan and Seller Protection Plan are fully administered and provide replacement coverage as well as comprehensive repair of major mechanical systems and appliances such as air conditioning, heating and electrical systems, interior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters and more, subject to a small deductible per service call.

For Sellers, a home protection plan adds interest to their home sale and protects them at a time when they would rather not make major investments in their property. It has been reported that on average, homes listed with a warranty sell more rapidly than homes listed without a home warranty. The ERA Protection Plan goes one step further by covering the Seller for up to six months provided that the Seller agrees to purchase the plan at a nominal fee for the Buyer. It's a win-win situation for the Seller having protection in place while the house is on the market for sale.

For Buyers in New Jersey, the ERA Protection Plan provides coverage generally for a year after the purchase on resale homes. Ask to see the most current home protection plan coverage agreement as it is subject to conditions, but comprehensive in scope for Buyers and Sellers.

If one considers that the most costly purchase in life is generally one's house, a home protection plan is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to insure oneself against the unexpected.

“There is a difference in real estate companies, and our ERA Protection Plans are perfect examples. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate consultant is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard,” she added.

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’,  from  2,600 ERA real estate firms all across the nation. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.’ Award. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

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

ERA Justin Realty Adds Success to Fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA's Show of Strength Telethon event recently took place and invited guests included ERA Justin Realty's Michelle Korosy, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Broker Ron Darby, Al Rottini and Allyson Kubs. Friends, MDA families and kids were invited as were other area sponsors. 

ERA Justin Realty Adds Success to Fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

America, sponsors, and a star-studded celebrity lineup put their strength behind the Muscular Dystrophy Association during a two-hour broadcast and regionally through the help of ERA Justin Realty and its agents and broker, Michelle Korosy, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Ron Darby, Al Rottini, Allyson Kubs and others at the company. They were invited to attend the MDA Show of Strength dinner and awards presentation where they previewed an advance showing of the MDA Telethon. With help from the generous American public, MDA sponsors, and a diverse roster of musical performers and celebrity presenters, the 48th annual MDA Show of Strength Telethon raised $59,583,555 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The ERA Justin Realty fundraising team was honored to receive the MDA Show of Strength award plaque.

Ron Darby, the ERA real estate MDA chairman for New Jersey fundraising was asked to come to the podium and speak to those who attended. He said, "Viewers respond generously to MDA’s call for donations via the onscreen phone number, texting and online contributions. These dollars enable MDA clinic physicians and staff across America to assist families fighting muscle disease, to fund the best science that can lead to new treatments, and to rally communities to continue to fight back against muscle disease as they set their sights on muscle health.

For 48 years, funds raised by MDA telethons also have contributed to the organization’s worldwide research program. Today, through current clinical trials, there is growing excitement that new lifesaving treatments and discoveries are on the horizon for many of the disorders MDA is dedicated to defeating. MDA's first Labor Day weekend telethon was broadcast in 1966 on a single New York station and has become the most successful fundraising event in the history of television. The show, with Jerry Lewis as its iconic host through 2010, and with help from a legion of top celebrities and entertainers, has raised millions each year to provide life-enhancing support and services for the families MDA serves.

There is a difference in real estate companies and the ERA Justin Realty teams are involved in many charitable efforts within the communities each year. Giving back to the communities is what they do since being a Realtor of choice since 1950. Become a sponsor. Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community as they experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget at summer camp. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. 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.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call their office.

All of the ERA Justin Realtor salespersons 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 their real estate activity at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Fixer Uppers a Reality for Buyers in Improving 2013 Real Estate Economy

Carol Darby, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger broker co-owners with combined real estate knowledge and experience approaching 100 years gives this team the background to lead their ERA Justin Realtor salespersons to continuous success. The firm, a trusted name in real estate since 1950 suggests purchases of fixer uppers as good choices for the Fall 2013 market.

Fixer Uppers a Reality for Buyers in Improving 2013 Real Estate Economy

Several years ago when the housing market was mired in real estate recession, buyers shied away from houses that needed work. The buyers who weren't put off from buying completely were interested only in turnkey homes that were in move-in condition. ERA Justin Realty has worked within all real estate economic landscapes, is well versed, assists its buyers and sellers and has been your trusted name in real estate since 1950. As we enter the Fall 2013 market, there are many buying and selling opportunities for all.

Carol Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner offered, "It was risky for some buyers to buy a house that needed work. But now the housing market is recovering and buying a house to fix up seems more reasonable, and is happening. There are basically two types of  'fixer' buyers. One is the flipper who buys a house, spruces it up quickly and sells it at a profit. The goal is not to hold the property as an investment, but to find a buyer as soon as possible after the redo is complete.

Flippers should avoid buying houses that have major problems to remedy, which will eat into profits. A way to maximize profit and minimize carrying costs during the rehab period is to understand the lower price market and if possible buy with all cash. Buy in areas where employment and transportation are good so that you will have a pool of buyers for your product when it’s ready to sell."

Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner added, "Select the neighborhood. Is it conveniently located? Are houses selling quickly? What is the average days on market from list date to sale date? This information is critical to knowing how fast you can turn the property over to a new buyer. The other type of fixer buyers are those who buy for their own use. They do not intend to flip the property, but want to increase the value of the property over time while providing a roof over their heads. This type of buyer may be willing to pay more for a property than the flipper, but the price paid and the amount spent on improvements should be researched before making a purchase. Ask our ERA Justin Realty team for the sale price of recently sold houses in the neighborhood that were similar to the one you’re considering, but in much better condition. Be sure to review how much the renovations will cost."

Ron Darby, broker co-owner concluded, "Keep a close eye on the costs of your renovations while you’re working on the project. There’s always the temptation to improve more than you had intended once you see how good the improvements you have made look. Even though you’re improving the house for yourself, remember that you will be selling someday and hope for a profit on the time and money you invested. It’s a great time to buy at prices that were not possible at the peak of the market. Just make sure you know values for the neighborhood for a property that needs work. Fixer buyers who paid high prices at the peak of the last market cycle possibly didn't make a profit. The housing market has picked up and will hopefully continue to move in a positive direction. However, the house sale market is continually changing and varies from one location to the next.  A well-informed, level-headed approach is the best bet and our ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can provide you with information so you can make an informed decision."

There is a difference in real estate companies and the ERA Justin Realty broker owner's input makes that difference important. In fact, their buyers and sellers have put their reviews in writing about their Realtor salespersons. They have on file for the asking, 'Real Estate Results In Writing,' their report of nearly 800 quotes, testimonials and reviews from their buyers and sellers.

All of the ERA Justin Realtor salespersons 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.