ERA Justin Realty Shares Do's and Don'ts of mixing architectural styles

Jennifer Darby Metzger, with Lifetime membership in the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club for more than 10 years of Bronze, Silver and Gold NJAR Awards and being a broker co-owner of ERA Justin Realty shares her outreach to the National Trust for Historic Preservations, evident in her report on mixing architectural styles.

ERA Justin Realty Shares Do's and Don'ts of mixing architectural styles

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.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner is partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has increased her educational outreach centering on the preservation of historic properties. Having this designation makes her familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate row houses to modest Queen Anne cottages and modest bungalows.

She stated, “As reported in Inman News, not long ago, in a pleasant, sixties-era neighborhood of California ranchers, reporter came across a renovated house that looked all too familiar. The owner had replaced the original front doors, all the windows and the garage door in a style that could most kindly be described as Home Depot eclectic. To begin with, there was a huge, modernistic vinyl picture window. A few feet away were a pair of casement windows bordered with those now-inescapable craftsman style ‘simulated divided lites. The garage door, meanwhile, was topped with a row of little Colonial sunburst windows, while the front doors boasted an elaborate Frank Lloyd Wright pattern done in beveled glass. Just about the only style that was absent, in fact, was that of the original California rancher. Setting aside the wisdom of trying to transform one architectural style into another, any one of these motifs might have worked had it been used consistently and alone. Combining them all together, however, simply yielded a stylistic hodgepodge.”

Metzger Continued, “It's amazing how a single motif can call up a whole architectural style. Motifs act as a kind of visual shorthand -- when we see fishscale shingles, we think Victorian. When we see zigzags, we think Deco. When we see curlicues, we think Spanish, and so on. But this same suggestive power can cause a lot of trouble when it's not used carefully. Few motifs, for example, could be more at odds than those New Englandish sunbursts being played against the jagged lines of Prairie School glass just a few feet away. Probably the most clear-cut dividing line between irreconcilable motifs is the one between traditional and modern architecture. There are always exceptions, but in general, traditional and modern styles spring from diametrically opposed philosophies, and seldom the twain shall meet. This realization might have discouraged our exemplary renovator from mixing in a little Ben Franklin with his Frank Lloyd Wright.

Is all this just stylistic nitpicking? Sure -- but nitpicking is what makes for good design. Nor are such clashing motifs something that would only bother an architect. Lately, more and more homeowners come primed with an impressive grasp of architectural styles -- due, no doubt, to This Old House style TV shows and instant Google searches. Lots of people are able to sense when things don't seem to fit together right. So unless you aim to be eclectic, try to limit yourself to a few favorite motifs, and apply them consistently. If you use segmental arches, for example, don't mix them with round ones -- the first speaks Italian, while the second screams in Spanish. For similar reasons, don't mix double-hung windows with sliders, Art Nouveau with Art Deco, divided lites with glass block, and so on. All of these pairings come from very different eras and sources, and they'll get along none too happily in one facade.

If you're not sure which motif goes with which style, consult some books on the style or period you're interested in. Find five or six examples of buildings you really like, and take note of the motifs they have in common. Then, pay equally close attention to the things you don't find, and you won't be confused by those mixed-up motifs.”

ERA Justin Realty has been recognized by multi-thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950 as their Realtor of choice and is noted as an area market leader. They proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003-2012 Commitment to Excellence Award, a premier ERA award and selected from approximately 2,600 ERA firms from across the nation. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice. They also offer their publication Real Estate Results in Writing featuring more than 700 reviews from their buyers and sellers about their services.

Jennifer Darby Metzger and the entire ERA Justin Realtor salesperson team 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’s Glenn Elliot: Helping Renters Become Buyers in 2013

Glenn Elliot, ERA Justin Realty Broker Salesperson has won many awards as monthly top overall producer. He was also awarded as Top Team member of the ERA Top Gun Academy, a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and  more. Glenn prides himself on being 1st in service to his clients and customers. His focus includes helping renters become buyers.

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot: Helping Renters Become Buyers in 2013

 

Nothing compares to the feeling of having a place to call home. At one time or another, however, most of us have felt frustration at seeing hard-earned money go into rent every month rather than a more permanent house payment. Renting is most people's first step toward home ownership, but what do you need to do to realize the dream of owning a home?  ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot shares important insight for South Bergenite readers who want to become a homeowner.

 

“Sometimes, it's not the regular rent-money obligations but other expenses that are the main obstacle in saving. A whole debt-counseling industry has arisen to guide consumers in getting out from under what they owe. Smart saving, not depriving yourself, just ensuring stability and enjoyment over the longest term involves many moves both major and simple, and can help prepare you for that first down payment.

 

On the simple end, rediscovering home cooking (and enjoying the leftovers as brownbag lunches) can amount to significant savings as compared to regularly dining out. On a higher level of financial planning, establishing a household budget and sticking to it, including a specific amount set aside for savings every month can get you to your home-affording goals sooner than you might have imagined.

 

You may also want to meet with a counselor who might negotiate a lower rate and set a sensible structure for your repayments on credit cards, while advising you how to ease dependence on them. This not only gets you on your own financial feet, but helps keep your credit rating intact for the very home loan you hope to someday secure.

 

There are additional ways to start working toward home ownership. Some sellers will enter into a rent-to- buy agreement, in which part of the regular rent is considered an installment of the home's down payment, which, once built up, can help you obtain financing. Low income renters may also qualify for federal "Section 8" vouchers which are paid to the landlord, subsidizing your rental expenses and helping you save for a permanent home.

 

Just as some renting options allow you to set funds aside, some types of purchases can help defray your costs even as you fulfill the stepped up obligations of home ownership. Pooling resources with other buyers to occupy a two-family home could be one; buying such a home by yourself and renting one half of it could be another.

 

Even if your economics remain challenging, there are low-down-payment mortgages, and other forms of financing for special circumstances, available to buyers who meet the right criteria. Our ERA Justin Realtor sales professionals can help you navigate through these options, accessing financing programs through the varied mortgage lenders who we may recommend. He or she can also identify what government help might be available, and generally counsel you on your readiness to be a buyer, and on what else you might need to do to get there. If you consult the right sources, your personal counselors and seek common-sense strategies, then your every move in the renter's world can be pointing you home.”

 

Elliot concluded, “ Our team at ERA Justin Realty have many answers and are available just a phone call way.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 - 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of several selected from ERA real estate firms with approximately 30,000 brokers and agents. We are the Realtor of choice to thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950.

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Broker co-owner added, “Ask to see our over 700 reviews of our services from our buyers and sellers. All across the nation, the most coveted award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award, in the past received by ERA Real Estate for Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

 

Elliot and all of 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. View 1000's of homes at their websites at  ERAJustin.com and ERAJustinRealty.com.



ERA Justin Realty Report: Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers In Current Housing Market

Ron Darby, Broker and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty has been active in real estate since 1967. His expertise and that of  his staff are responsible for their growth in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties to "ERA Top-100" national status. He offers positive directions for those planning to put their house on the market for sale.

 

ERA Justin Realty Report: Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers In Current Housing Market

 

There are plenty of home buyers intent on buying while they can still lock in a low mortgage rate. So, the 2013 housing market is presenting good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this new selling environment.  The first step is to start thinking like a buyer, not a seller. While buyers are anxious to buy before rates rise, sellers know they are in competition with other homes on the market.

 

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner reported, “As written in Inman News, when the market is rising quickly, buyers are less concerned about overpaying because they're sure they'll recoup the excess payment within a short period because of robust appreciation. This was the psychology of earlier year's. Now, buyers are much more concerned about value.  For this reason, pricing is important in order to create showings.

 

Listings attract attention when they're new on the market. To maximize your opportunities, your home not only needs to be priced right and properly prepared for sale, you also need a comprehensive prepared marketing plan by your Realtor salesperson at ERA Justin Realty. You want to make sure that information about your listing immediately reaches as many potential buyers as possible.”

 

The ERA Justin Realtor salespersons are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when preparing the sale of their house.  They provide you with a marketing plan with samples of the marketing materials that will be used to promote your home, as well as strong Internet exposure. As reported, approximately 80 percent of today's home buyers start their home searches on the Internet. 

 

Darby continued, “A listing on the Internet isn't enough, though. Buyers don't look at listings that don't have photos. You gain an edge with an array of multiple photos and virtual tour of your home that we place on the Internet as soon as your home is opened up to the market. It's important to have a good working relationship with your listing salesperson.  Hundreds of past sellers who had positive experiences buying their home through us decide to list with our salesperson who represented them as buyers. See our more than 700 reviews about our services, available in our published report. This is a good strategy. In most cases, it's not wise to work with an salesperson who is outside of the local market area. An unorganized marketing effort as well as selling through an outside area discount brokerage firm can result in a no-sale.

 

Your aim is to sell for the highest price possible. But keep in mind that overpriced listings won't sell or appraise for a mortgage for your buyer as it's all based on comparable closed sales. Your house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time.

 

Our ERA Justin Realtor salespersons who are active in your area will be able to advise you about an effective list price for your home.  We offer our Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), a comprehensive study of your house in comparison with others that are on the market, that have sold, that have expired, as well as the year-end 2013 market update.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office.”

 

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award, chosen from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents from across the nation.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice, as thousands of chosen them since 1950.

 

 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, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.BuyBergenCounty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Tips for First Time Homebuyers

With a lifetime membership in the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club, Ilene Harpuder of ERA Justin Realty offers valued suggestions for first time homebuyers. She and her team of Realtor salespersons have many answers and will guide you through the home buying process.

ERA Justin Realty Tips for First Time Homebuyers

Ask ERA Justin Realtor salesperson Ilene Harpuder and she will advise, “Buying a home is oftentimes a concerning decision, possibly daunting the first time. But by asking the right questions and considering a few simple but important issues, you can pave the way for some powerful beginner's luck. Becoming a first-time homeowner may have uncertainties to you , but remember that you're not alone. A past National Association of Realtors® survey says, first-timers made up nearly half of all homebuyers. With so many making the move, you can too. With the improving real estate economy, our strong list of 2013 homes purchased and new listings presented at our office each week, this is a wonderful time to finally own your dream home.

Chances are they may have had the help of an ERA Justin Realty professional. Realtors® can navigate the complexities of the home buying process, and let you concentrate on the rewards of home ownership. Our ERA Justin Realty team will tell you that there are three major points you should take into account: finding the right financing, investigating the community you're considering, and evaluating your prospective home's qualities.

Before your home search begins it's helpful to determine what price-range you are comfortable with and get pre-approved for a loan. Some hopeful home seekers will quit the search before they start, out of worry that they can't afford a down payment or sheer unfamiliarity with the financing process. But today those worries are often unfounded; there is an array of financing options available for aspiring qualified homeowners of almost every income and one is likely to fit your unique financing needs.

Once you've gained confidence in that area, it's important to make sure you're familiar with the location you'd like to live in. Think about what you want in a community and how your chosen one meets these interests, including nearness to the city (or country), reputation of the school system, access to public transportation, and property values. This is another task that ERA Justin Realty, with tools like the neighborhood search functions on its popular websites www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com is perfectly equipped to help you with. Our websites feature our unique 1000’s of homes section, where a prospect can view almost every house for sale in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties, all areas in which we list and sell homes.

You also need to evaluate the offerings of your possible new home. What condition are major components like the furnace, windows and roof in? Is it a house needing only cosmetic improvements which will one day pay for themselves in resale value, or structural repairs that will eat into your future profit? A qualified home inspector can help you answer such questions with confidence.

Keep in mind that being new to all this does have its advantages. Having an ERA Justin Realtor salesperson at hand and knowing what to ask and obtaining good guidance can help make sure you get it right the first time.”

“Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, "There is a difference in real estate companies, and our ERA Home Protection Plans are perfect examples of having confidence in your purchase. We will provide the conditions of the plans. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare. We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what our Realtor salespersons are 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."

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one from 2,600 ERA offices. 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 from J.D.Powers. ERA Justin Realty has been a buying and selling Realtor of choice since 1950.

The ERA Justin Realty full service real estate team 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 Tips: Investing in Curb Appeal and Staging When Selling

ERA Justin Realtor salesperson Rosemarie Zembryski offers information which can mean a faster sale in a competitive real estate market. A graduate of the ERA Top-Gun Academy, Rosemarie's focus to her buyers and sellers is evident as she details in this article.

 

ERA Justin Realty Tips: Investing in Curb Appeal and Staging When Selling

 

Rosemary Zembryski, a Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty offers suggestions to sellers.  "We have been a Realtor of choice to thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950. Our team knows the correct advice for a successful sale. It may seem counterintuitive to invest money in a home you’re selling. Wouldn't it be better to save that money for improvements on your next home?  Even though the home sale market has improved impressively,  not necessarily in price, but in homes sold,  buyers may still pay more for homes they can move right into without having to do work. This is not to say that buyers won't buy homes that need updating, but they need to be able to see the potential. And the property needs to be priced right for the market, taking into account work that needs to be done.

 

Hypothetically, a home was sold in a residential neighborhood. It was owned by one family for more than 50 years. The property had deferred maintenance and a dated décor. If the listing had been put on the market before it was partially updated, it may have been harder to sell and would have sold for less than it did with some repairs and tasteful upgrades.

 

Before the sellers ordered a structural pest control ("termite") inspection, they had some obvious defects corrected. This kept the cost of the remaining repairs down. It also improved the appearance of the house. A back porch that was in poor condition and was easily visible was repaired. A pink vinyl bathroom floor was replaced with a neutral vinyl.

 

The most dramatic change was achieved by removing the heavy dark draperies, some dark furnishings and the dark flocked wallpaper in the foyer. The draperies were left off to expose the beautiful wood windows. The house was transformed from a dark, outdated home to a light-filled home with a lot of potential.

 

After personal clutter was out of the house, the shag carpet was removed to expose the beautiful hardwood floors. The interior  paint was touched up as needed, and the house was staged by our ERA Justin team with the existing furniture, artwork and accessories.

 

The house showed beautifully, even though the kitchen and bathrooms were old. The listing sold quickly with a back up offer at the asking price."

 

Realtor salesperson Cathy Vick added, "Improving curb appeal, the way a house looks from the street, usually pays off. For some buyers, curb appeal is so important that they won't even look at a listing that lacks good street presence.

 

Enhancing curb appeal can often be done inexpensively. Trim overgrown plants to a size that allows buyers to see the architectural detail of the house. If the landscaping has been unkempt for years, remove dead plants and add colorful plants before the house goes on the market. Replanting areas of  the lawn adds to the allure of a property."

 

Zembryski continued, "Kitchens and bathrooms are important to today’s homebuyers. However, it wouldn't be prudent to do a complete remodel just before you put your home on the market. You usually can't recoup the investment. Generally, fix-up-for-sale projects should be limited to cost-effective improvements like new paint, replacing outdated light fixtures and replacing worn floor coverings.

 

In the listing described above, the old bathrooms were given cosmetic upgrades. Toilets and pedestal sinks were replaced inexpensively. The original tub in this 1920s home was reglazed to look like new. It turned an eyesore into a bathroom that would please a buyer. You can improve the look of a dated kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, paint, updated light fixtures and a new floor, if necessary. It’s  true that many homes never look as good as when they’re for sale."

 

Vick concluded, “Repeat and referral business is a mainstay of our firm which has taken place thousands of times. We provide buyer and seller articles in North Jersey Newspapers.  Our Realtor salespersons have built a  base of buyers and sellers who count on them to transact their real estate business.  Questions? Call us, we want to perform above your expectations. Because of our daily priorities, ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003- 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,' as a premier ERA real estate firm. 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 through J.D. Powers."

 

Ask to see a copy of their more than 700 reviews of their services from their buyers and sellers.  More information is available on their two winning websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

 

All 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.

ERA Justin Realty’s Jennifer Darby Metzger cited by RealSource Association as 2013 Realtor Of The Year

RealSource Association of Realtors President Edward Thor presented ERA Justin Realtor Broker Jennifer Darby Metzger to its membership as the 2013 Realtor Of The Year. A Realtor professional for 20 years, Jennifer was selected for her outstanding participation within the real estate industry. Left to right: June Incorvaia, John Boguszewski, Michelle Korosy, Grace Tirrito, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol D. Calamari, Fara Espandi, Ilene Harpuder, Julia Dagistanli, Allyson Kubs, Cathy Vick.

ERA Justin Realty’s Jennifer Darby Metzger cited by 

RealSource Association as 2013 Realtor Of The Year

Overwhelming congratulations were evident as a surprised Jennifer Darby Metzger of ERA Justin Realty was cited by President Edward Thor as the RealSource Association of Realtors 2013 Realtor Of The Year. She was escorted to the podium for her award, singly selected from the association’s 3,500 membership. The honors took place at the association’s 2013 meeting attended by more than 400 Realtors.  RealSource Association of Realtors® is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the professional needs of more than 3,500 Realtor® Members. RealSource is also a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the largest trade association in America.

The RealSource Association of Realtors committee selected Jennifer Darby Metzger for her achievements and business accomplishments. For the last 20 years Jennifer has focused on Realtor and Broker responsibilities including business forums, seminars and International Business Conventions. With a full schedule of running her business and managing the office, she also participates in many events as a speaker, partly because of her involvement and knowledge as a licensed New Jersey Real Estate Instructor.  Her teachings on topics of building a substantial office, establishing strong client communication, creating smooth transactions, building ethically driven best business practices and trust have always been popular topics in her speaking engagements.

Jennifer has also achieved the Gold NJAR Circle of Excellence Award 2005, Silver NJAR Circle of Excellence Award 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007 as well as receiving the New Jersey Association of Realtors Lifetime Membership in the Distinguished Sales Club for achieving ten or more years in the Million Dollar/Circle of Excellence Clubs. She also completed her CRS, SFR & National Trust for Historic Preservation designations. She had been selected and featured as a national Thirty Under Thirty recipient in a major article in Realtor magazine.

She was invited to be a charter member of the ERA Young Leaders Network, a group of successful second generation real estate brokers nationwide.  One recent task that the YLN network focused on was the Tough Mudder competition held in Florida this spring. This event helped raise funds for the Wounded Warriors Project and the ERA Mudders were very successful is raising funds for the cause.

During her real estate career she has worked diligently for charitable efforts, including being the ERA Muscular Dystrophy Co-Chairperson for  New Jersey in fundraising for their kids summer camp programs.  She has also appeared on the MDA Labor Day Telethon to present annual fundraising checks. Collectively, Jennifer with her team have raised nearly $200,000.00 throughout the years.  She is co-founder of ERA Fresh, a community service created where New Jersey farmers grow and supply freshly picked organic vegetables available to area families. The Rutherford Newcomers & Neighbors Club, also founded by Jennifer, brings information to new area residents.

 Jennifer participates with her office teammates in events for the American Cancer Society. There are also silent good Samaritan deeds including her assistance in the ERA Starfish Project, where their motto is "It made a difference to that one..." . She's a member of the Meadowlands Moms Club, a group of moms with infants and young children who meet monthly and share common needs, goals and issues. To sum up what everyone thinks about Jennifer, one of many dozens of letters she received says it all, "I have known Jennifer both personally and professionally for over ten years. Jennifer is one of the most professional and sincere people I know. Jennifer's dedication and compassion for her job has always set her aside from her competition and that has helped her succeed to the position she is in today. I would highly recommend Jennifer for any of your real estate needs."

If you are interested in working on Jennifer's team, she can be reached at either of her two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500 or visit www.northjerseyrealestatecareers.com.