ERA Justin Report: Markets suggest 2015 is the time to buy a home

With decades of real estate experience, Glenn Elliot prides himself on being 1st in service to his clients and customers. He is  a graduate of the ERA Top Gun Academy and Realtors Institute, GRI and holds the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist designation which is held by only 4% of all Realtors and SFR designation, trained in Short Sales and Foreclosures. A Multi-Million Dollar producer, Glenn specializes in the sale of residential properties and has achieved the NJAR Circle of Excellance Award every year from 1997 - 2013

 

ERA Justin Report: Markets suggest 2015 is the time to buy a home

 

What are the most important things a seller should look for when hiring a real estate agent to sell their house? How many houses has the agency sold and closed in the town in which they are located? Is it the size of the company with branches outside the market area valuable?  Details of their  marketing program? Their years experience in the business within the town you are located in?

 

There are many things that should be taken into consideration when hiring someone and giving them the responsibility for selling your home. According to ERA Justin Realty Broker Realtor Glenn Elliot with decades of areas successes, "With information from the well respected KCM group, we agree these things are needed to be answered and in our opinion, important questions you can ask a potential listing agent. Do you truly believe that now is a good time to buy a home and selecting the right firm and agent to represent you.

 

Why should this matter when hiring someone to sell your home? Although buyers are back, they do have questions about purchasing right now. They want to know they are making an intelligent choice and are being guided by the proper agent. We believe, especially in today’s market, you need to hire someone who realizes that this is one of the best times in American real estate history to buy. If an agent doesn't believe that, how will they be able to convey this to a potential buyer to buy your home?

 

When interviewing a real estate professional, ask them to explain why purchasing a home makes sense today. They should be able to explain it simply and effectively."

 

Glenn continued, "These positive quotes were noted." The Wall Street Journal  stated: “With home sales starting to improve  real estate could well be the asset class that represents the best low-risk buying opportunity out there today.” Donald Trump said, “I'm pretty sure this is a great time to go out and buy a house. And if you do, in 10 years you're going to look back and say, ‘You know, I'm glad I listened to Donald Trump’. John Paulson, a multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius who made a killing betting against housing a few years ago, is now bullish on residential real estate market. He said," If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one. If you own two homes, buy a third. And, lend your relatives the money to buy a home.” These may be over simplifications, but a Gallup Poll showed that 67% of American’s think that now is a ‘good time’ to buy a home. The Gallup Organization went on to say, “Overall, there is good reason for most Americans to think now is a good time to buy a house. Interest rates remain near historic lows. Home prices are providing many incredible buys.”

 

According to Ron Darby Broker Co-owner, “We work with our agents each day to help them achieve the goals of their buyers and sellers, and  the spring 2015 season is just in front of us.  In a constant changing real estate industry we invite new agents to join us. We want them to have the education needed for success. Opportunities are just a  phone call away by calling Jennifer Darby Metzger at (201) 401-6133.

 

Glenn continued, “We stress stability, a necessity for success in this new world of real estate. We also provide buyer potential with strong advertising for South Bergen County.  A full color page advertisements of our listings in The South Bergenite brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents for their buyers while giving our sellers strong marketing exposure.  We proudly are considered a real estate market leader by thousands of sellers and buyers since 1950 and hope to be the Realtor of choice to thousands more in the upcoming years."

 

ERA Justin Realty is once again honored as a top ERA firm worldwide and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award and other coveted awards.

 

Glenn concluded, “To learn more, phone us or view our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com." ERA Justin Realty operates two state-of-the-art 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 BEST MARKETING TOOLS ARE GOOD AGENTS

Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger owners of ERA Justin Realty serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties share their insights as to the best marketing tools, good agents and new ERA opportunities for their buyers and sellers. The firm, a market leader since 1950 and the company on the grow expands their reach in 2015.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S BEST MARKETING TOOLS ARE GOOD AGENTS

Your best marketing tool when selling your home is a good real estate agent. Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby, broker owners of ERA Justin Realty share their insights and invite agents to join their team. There is so much more to selling a home than simply putting a For Sale sign in the front yard.  There are reasons why some agents seem to do so well. They work diligently, pay attention to detail and are available for appointments. They also use the tools at their disposal, including extensive training, knowledge of the industry and neighborhoods and marketing expertise. A good licensed agent knows what needs to be done and when and is aware of the potential pitfalls in this very important decision.

Metzger said, “Gone are the days when an agent could be successful by simply putting a sign in the yard, making a few phone calls and having a nice smile. Changes in technology where as high as 80% of transactions come through the Internet have made an impact in the way your property can be marketed. Today's real estate professional has so many more options available, and the smart agent knows how to use them. They combine the traditional tried and true marketing efforts with today's technology to better serve you and represent your needs to a greater group of potential buyers. They know how important it is to have a qualified purchaser who is pre-approved for mortgage financing before bringing a potential contract to their seller. Beyond that, an aggressive marketing plan needs to be created. A front yard sign and placement on the Multiple Listing Services are important, but eMarketing plays an increasingly larger role in finding the right Buyer.”

Darby added, "Our effective websites, such as  www.ERAJustin.com  and www.ERAJustinRealty.com can allow an agent to place your listing on the Internet for the world to see. This is in addition to another menu of  dozens of Internet websites that ERA Justin listings are marketed from. This is a much more efficient way to market to a greater viewing audience whom you are not able to reach by sending out post cards or making phone calls. With photos of the inside and outside of your home and virtual tours, buyers can explore before calling for an appointment. Our websites can also link buyers to on-line calculators, mortgage companies, general property search features, neighborhood and school searches, plus other valuable information that can allow them to see the affordability and assets of your home. And this information is available anytime, anywhere. You no longer have to hope for a phone call or someone seeing your ad in the paper. You and your agent are open for business 24 hours daily, seven days a week.”

“Today's ERA Justin Realty agent also has the capability of emailing photos of your property anywhere in the world, great for potential out-of-town buyers. Messages sent via email or through a website can automatically trigger a phone call, keeping your agent in constant contact. And many smart agents send regular email Newsletters that contain their listings and links back with information that can benefit the sale of your home. Instead of waiting for someone to drive down your street and see your sign, you now have the world at your fingertips. With many houses on the market, it's wise to choose a sophisticated and high tech agent who can assertively promote your home. The odds are greater that your property will sell faster and at a higher price,” concluded Metzger.

There is a difference in real estate companies and ERA Justin Realty is always focused on the newest technologies. The firm asks Buyers and Sellers to compare.  Their philosophy includes exceeding expectations of what a real estate agent is about.  They don’t offer just real estate basics, they are as comprehensive as possible.  In that way they know that their buyers and sellers will hold them in the highest regard.

Darby concluded, "Being known as the company on the grow, new and licensed agents who want to kick off a real estate career with us are invited to join our team. Serving our customers and our communities through leadership and commitment is at the core of ERA Justin Realty's operating principles.  We've received The Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award and we were recognized for embracing a philosophy through community service and charitable works that greatly impact the areas where we work and live. Our team has long been committed to serving our local communities, as well as for business excellence, and we are proud. We are also celebrating our 30th anniversary with our ERA family. Our award recognizes us for the extraordinary things we do and for our communities and people in need. Throughout the entire ERA system of approximately 31,000 brokers and agents, we were the only firm to receive it when presented to us in Los Angeles."

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor agents can be reached at (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 Demystifies Winter Home Selling

Cathy Vick with ERA Justin Realty has been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing and specifically representing senior clients in real estate transactions. Also an esteemed Realtor of the year with the RealSource Association of Realtors she offers myths and truths about winter selling.

                                      

 ERA Justin Realty Demystifies Winter Home Selling 

The leaves have fallen the weather gets colder, homeowners often shudder at the thought of selling their home in the winter, out of fear that there will be fewer buyers, their home will look less attractive and will command a lower selling price than in the spring time. Following are the 4 most common myths as well as the truth about selling a home in the winter, as reviewed by Cathy Vick ERA Justin Realtor sales professional.

Myth #1 If I wait until the spring to sell my house there will be more buyers and more competition for my home.

TRUTH: "There really is a limited spring market anymore," according to Vick, "since most markets are interest rate driven." "Interest rates are currently low, and that is what motivates most buyers. So, now may be your best opportunity as listings are also fewer as your competition."

Though you may get more foot traffic through your home in the spring, a good portion of these people may be just "lookers." According to Vick, "In winter you may have fewer showings, but you tend to get more serious and qualified buyers because few people like to spend an afternoon browsing through homes when the weather is cold, rainy or snowy. Many "lookers" wait until the spring."

Myth #2 "My house will sell for a higher price in the spring" or "Since the economy has begun to improve, I'll wait to get an even higher price for my house in 2015."

TRUTH: Home prices of 2014 may not continue to escalate in 2015, always an unknown. We know what the economy is like now. With political worldwide uncertainties, there is no way to predict what lies ahead in the spring of 2015. "A significant benefit of winter home selling is that there is less inventory at this time of year, which translates into less competition amongst listings," states Vick. "Remember, it only takes one buyer to purchase a house, and sellers establish the price that they want to ask. Houses that are well decorated, updated and in move-in condition always move rapidly, she continued.

Myth #3 My house looks better in the spring when the trees have leaves and the flowers are blooming.

TRUTH: Remember, the playing field is level in whatever season you choose to sell your home. In the spring, everyone's house has blooming flowers and trees. Do not discount the benefits of winter selling. Holiday decorations and the wonderful aroma of food, roaring fires and scented candles are very attractive to buyers.

Myth #4 Since I need to move in the spring, I will wait until after the winter to sell my house.

TRUTH: Winter home sellers can choose a closing date in the spring, which can benefit both the seller and the buyer. The seller, knowing that their house is sold, can go and buy a new house, without pressure. The buyer benefits by having the necessary time to sell their old house.

“ERA Justin Realty is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our business platform. Everything we do is designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs and resources that help deliver true value and make it easier for us to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter business community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together. Our updated ERA identity, logo and brand standards have been introduced and are designed to reflect who we are today while positioning our ERA brand for the future. Our fresh new look is extending to everything from yard signs to marketing and advertising materials but more importantly to the new products and services to bring greater success for our buyers and sellers. Welcome to the new ERA," added broker owner Ron Darby.

Vick concluded, "All of our firm’s Realtor agents can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000’s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

SMART UPDATING YOUR HOUSE, AN ERA JUSTIN REALTY REPORT

ERA Justin Co. has many successful agents.That applies to full time sales professional Julia Dagistanli. She has been selected twice as a New Jersey Five Star Home Professional by New Jersey Monthly magazine and has gained admiration from her buyers and sellers. She now offers her report on smart updating your house.

SMART UPDATING YOUR HOUSE, AN ERA JUSTIN REALTY REPORT

Keeping your home updated is sound advice. By making improvements along the way you get the benefit and when it's time to sell, there's less to do. But how do you go about making decisions on what to purchase?

According to Julia Dagistanli, ERA Justin Realtor salesperson, “If you don't want to end up with the current equivalent of avocado appliances and brown shag carpet, colors of  past years, you'll need to choose wisely. What may seem up-to-the-minute style-wise could end up costing you in the long run. Kitchen and bath improvements can be expensive, so home buyers would want to deduct that cost if your home seems outdated.

The endless variety of products available to homeowners can leave you with much to consider. And it's easy to quickly choose an item that looks smashing, only to find it doesn't look so stylish a few years later. So, think in practical terms when investing your improvement dollars.

If you've fallen in love with that glass bowl and think it's the perfect way to make a statement in the bath, consider placing it on top of a cabinet that gives you space for your personal items. Your kitchen may look crisp and clean without any overhead cabinetry, but you will need storage space for your dishes. So, take that need into consideration during the planning stage.Go for a timeless, classic design when choosing major items and, if in doubt, think simplicity. Quality granite, ceramic tile and white fixtures will never go out of style.  You can then add accents that are easily changed out without breaking the bank.

Important improvements include good lighting, quality surfaces, plenty of storage and a floor plan that accommodates your needs. Prioritize your requirements and wishes to get an individualized look without being too trendy. It's a good idea to work with a designer, usually offered by retailers at no charge, to optimize your dollars, but be very specific about what you need and expect and what your budget will stand. Our teammates prioritize in assisting our sellers stage their house as they prepare for a sale.

When it's time to sell, you'll know you've made the right decisions and so will your grateful buyer.”
Dagistanli continued, “We are pleased to offer our consumers updating and staging articles in the South Bergenite, The Record and the Herald News. Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our articles and our ERA Home Protection Plans are additional examples. We ask buyers and sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate company 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.”

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 andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com.