ERA Justin Realty Receives Art from MDA Child

ERA Justin Realty's Operations Manager, Nona Orlando and award winning Realtor Agent, Cathy Vick share the 2015 award art received for fundraising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy and the kids summer camp program. The art by MDA child Reagan Imhoff will be displayed on the MDA wall in their office. Ron Darby, the MDA ERA fundraising chairman for sixteen years thanked the ERA Justin Realty teammates for their wonderful fundraising work for the kids.

For their efforts as Northern New Jersey’s top fundraising ERA real estate office, Darby informed his teammates that the firm was also inducted into the President’s Club, honors shared only by organizations with year-long focus to the Summer Camp For Kids program and fundraising.

Darby, for sixteen years, is also the ERA New Jersey Chairman for MDA and introduced Jennifer Darby Metzger and Albert Rottini for their efforts in leading the team's fundraising efforts for the year. The firm continues to spearhead their efforts for MDA in this lifesaving mission again.

Metzger continued,  “ERA Justin Realty and our team of Realtor professionals focused and succeeded in an outstanding fundraising effort in sending area MDA children to summer camp and will spend time at camp with the kids this summer. We spend our efforts working with the kids in their arts and crafts projects, view their games and activities and enjoy their varied conversations."

Adding, she said, "Each year MDA supports 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. If you’re 16 or older, you’re invited to apply to join the MDA team as a camp volunteer. At most MDA camps, volunteer counselors work one-on-one with campers around the clock, providing the care, close supervision and attention children with neuromuscular diseases need. Counselors push wheelchairs, lift and carry youngsters, and even bunk-down near their campers. But above all, they become a youngster's friend for a week and sometimes for a lifetime.

By becoming an MDA summer camp sponsor you can provide a local youngster with neuromuscular disease with many special summer memories.  As a sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during the special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates."

Darby concluded, “Become a sponsor! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget. 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 us at (201) 939-7500.”

Review more about ERA Justin Realty at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com or www.ERAJustinRealty.com. ERA Justin Realty has been a buying and selling Realtor of choice to thousands since opening their doors in 1950. Reach them by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

Increasing Investment Potential, An ERA Justin Realty Overview

Manish Mona Kalra, REALTOR Sales Associate

Increasing Investment Potential, An ERA Justin Realty Overview

Buying or selling a house is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make with their finances and their lifestyle. Getting the best bargain in the purchase or making the most profit on the sale give buyers and sellers so much to think about that many may never stop to consider buying another as an income-generating property. The rewards in savings and profits can be rewarding.

 

Manisha Mona Kalra, a Realtor agent with ERA Justin Realty suggests, “One option for buyers who otherwise might consider home prices beyond their reach is a property that helps pay for itself; a house you live in part of and rent the rest of. This offers not only an obvious balance of cost and income, but perhaps lesser-known benefits in taxes and mortgage that you should consider with your tax advisor as taxes and requirements vary from year to year. The rental units may be depreciated over time and considered to offset the rental income. This may lower your taxes on that income. At the same time, the rents addition to your finances helps you qualify for a larger mortgage, and investors who occupy their rental properties can, under certain conditions, get interest rates lower than those who do not. Many mortgage lenders provide varied mortgage programs. Our menu of mortgage lenders will provide updated information when you begin your home search. Of course you'll want to decide if the demands of being a live-in landlord are for you, and explore if rent-control laws in your area might limit the return on your investment. If being an offsite landlord is more appealing, you could always keep your current home as a rental after you move into the new one. Your long-tern familiarity with the home's features and condition could lend a certain confidence both to yourself and your potential tenants. As with any investment property, you'll first want to calculate whether the rental income will make up for the needed expenses. This is another consideration in which one of our qualified Realtor agents can help with his or her knowledge of the local rental market and its prospects over time."

 

Mona's specialty is her attention toward first-time home buyers, relocation, investment properties and distressed properties while bringing focus to custom marketing programs for her sellers. Her finesse includes interior designing and vision to understand all aspects of what a beautiful home can mean for her buyers and her sellers who are planning to put their homes on the market.

 

She continued, "If you are pleased with the prospects, then you may even prefer a fixer-upper to your former home. With a thorough inspection to answer any questions, and a realistic budget and disciplined schedule to handle all improvements, your outlays may prove to be well worth it. Renovations can range from reconfiguring the floor plan to simply replacing now-unfashionable décor. Owning an income-generating property may not be for everyone, but, from buyers offsetting their purchase costs, to others easing the expenses of their retirement years it can be for many kinds of people. Talk to us at ERA Justin Realty to find out if rental property would be a fit for your personally, wants and needs.”

 

Mona is friendly and professional who will persevere to fulfill your every real estate need. She believes relationships are the key to buying and selling a property. She will work closely with you through the process of buying and selling your home and to make sure things run smoothly. She is an excellent choice to represent your home to get the best result. So whether you are selling your home or buying the next one, Mona will be motivated to give you the best of everything as you make the important decisions keeping an eye on the details. She has the ability to listen and fully understand her clients needs. Her strong negotiation and excellent communication skills mean that her clients are always kept well informed throughout the process. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi, a regional Indian language. Her background includes learning from her family real estate background in India.

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner added, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase.  We live it every day.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ a select few from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents from all across the ERA globe."

 

Mona and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor agents 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology information awaits you at their winning search websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN ACHIEVERS POINT WAY TO SPRING AND SUMMER SALES

ERA Justin Realty's first quarter 2015 top sales and listing achievers. Standing L to R: Grace Tirrito, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi. Seated: Carol D. Calamari, Glenn Elliot and Kristen Davis.

 

ERA JUSTIN ACHIEVERS POINT WAY TO SPRING AND SUMMER SALES

Flowers  blooming, lawns greening, leaves on the trees and ERA Justin Realty with strong real estate listings and sales. This is the time when families focus on real estate, but the first question asked is, “How do I price my house?”

 

Ask the ERA Justin Realty first quarter 2015 award achievers, and the answer you will most likely hear over and over again is "realistically.” Ask any of the Leadership Circle achievers who provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will have the answers to your real estate questions.  They include Grace Tirrito, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Glenn Elliot and Kristen Davis

 

 "If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future and want to know for how much it could sell, then contact a real estate sales professional at our firm and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value,” recommends both Grace Tirrito and Peggy McLaughlin. 

 

“The fair market value of a house is the highest price an informed buyer will pay.  A homeowner's asking price is the advertised price of a house when it goes on the market and may be slightly higher than the fair market value because it is assumed that some negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with a Buyer,” added Fara Espandi and Carol D. Calamari.

 

Glenn Elliot added, “To get an estimate of the fair market value, a homeowner can call our ERA Justin Realty sales team. Our service is provided free of charge and without obligation.”
"In conducting a CMA, our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals have access to a wide array of information, such as databases containing recent listing and selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhood, and how long these homes took to sell. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner understand what today's changing markets mean for his or her home, and will provide a realistic figure of the home's fair market value.  If a home is then put on the market, our sales professionals will use the CMA to help the homeowner establish a selling marketing program. The CMA information is very helpful in determining the true value of a house and the right asking price. In the end, however, the homeowner should decide on a price that he or she feels is competitive and consistent with the price at which other houses in the area have sold,” said Kristen Davis.

 

Ron Darby, Broker Co-owner added, “Our CMA report for our Sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it makes pricing easier for those planning a sale.  Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty 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.  Proof of our abilities for our clients and customers shows in these fine award achievers, honored during the first quarter of 2015 for their production.”

 

For more information on CMAs, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. 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 www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Welcomes Jonathan Guzman To The Firm

Jonathan Guzman joins ERA Justin Realty as part of a company that strives for excellence and top level brokerage, contributing to the excellence of its team of Realtor agents. 

                       ERA Justin Realty Welcomes Jonathan Guzman To The Firm

“Being part of a real estate firm with strong ethics, technology that will help in my real estate business and continuing education are reasons why I selected ERA Justin Realty as the firm I want to be with. I believe everything starts with a mind set. The  way you think is imperative to your success. My attitude is my foundation.” stated Realtor agent Jonathan Guzman.

“Watching ERA Justin Realty, their strong listing and sales activity in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties and their award achievements each year brought me to the realization that their firm is where I want to build my career. I'm  very focused and will reach my goals with my real estate family.” continued Jonathan.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker offered, “Jonathan is a communicator, so very important to build buyer and seller rapport for success. His skills include listening and good conversation to effectively communicate with his peers and clients to achieve their real estate goals. His job on each transaction will not be complete until he has reached his buyers and sellers expectations and satisfaction."

Jonathan is a Rutherford high school graduate and resident since 1995 relocating from Staten Island. Still recognized for his high school basketball and baseball strengths, he and his team won the 2004 baseball state championship. He resides with his girlfriend Valentina and their playful American Bulldog, Lupe. 

With his membership at the RealSource Association of Realtors and the New Jersey and Garden State Multiple Listing Services will keep him in tune with the 1000's of listings currently available throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties, areas he services with his association at ERA Justin Realty Co.

Jonathan continued, “I am here because I want to be part of a company that strives for excellence, a top level brokerage that sets the mark high when it comes to real estate services. Because of my passion I feel I will add great value to an already superb team. I look forward to contributing to the excellence of ERA Justin Realty. For those seeking investment property, I'm also well versed in rehabbing real estate thorough my ownership of Elite Property Investments.”

There is a difference in real estate companies. ERA Justin Realty and Jonathan ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  Their philosophy includes exceeding expectations of what a Realtor 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.

Jonathan and their ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor agents 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’S JOANA ILIESCU OFFERS SUMMER RELOCATION TIPS FOR KIDS

ERA JUSTIN’S JOANA ILIESCU OFFERS SUMMER RELOCATION TIPS FOR KIDS

                                     

With a Bachelor of Science degree in business management having worked in the hospitality industry in a management position and a focused sales professional with ERA Justin Realty, Joana  Iliescu offers important tips on Relocation for Kids. “During the past months of 2015 many homes were purchased with summer closings and plans for kids to begin a new school year in a brand new location.  Every year, many families move. One of the most important issues to anyone with kids is their reaction to the news that they're moving and their adjustment to the new home. Being informed is very important to children. One of the worst mistakes we can make as adults is to assume that kids don't care or won't understand the details. Keeping them 'in the loop,' consulting them about choices whenever possible, and including them in the family game plan will work wonders toward their adjustment. Here are a few tips. ” said Joana.

 

“Preschool children:  Kids under the age of six may worry about being left behind, or being separated from their parents. If you go on an orientation or house-hunting trip before hand without the children, it's important to reassure kids this age that you will be back; bring something unique back to them from the new town. It's also very important for them to express their feelings and fears about the move. Give them a job to do - have them be responsible for boxing up their favorite toys, and 'labeling' their boxes with crayons and stickers.

Ages 6 to 12:  Elementary age kids are usually most concerned with how the everyday routines of their lives are going to change. Showing them pictures, videos and magazines of their new home will help a lot, especially if you can find new places in advance for the things they like to do. If your child takes dance lessons, find and share information about the new dance studio he/she can go to. If it's karate or soccer or baseball . . . even if its favorite things to do in the park or the pizza parlor, find these places in your new neighborhood and get brochures, pictures or videos.

Teenagers:  Teenagers are most concerned with fitting in. They may react angrily to the move, even insist they're not going. This is usually due to the total lack of control they have over everything important in their lives - friends, school and jobs - being disrupted. These children can be very worried about making new friends, and what will be different in the new school. They are curious about the clothing, hairstyles, bicycles, cars, etc. that kids in the new city will have. Pictures of all these things are very helpful, so if you take an orientation trip be sure to take many detailed photos/videos of the schools they will be attending.

Other tips for making the transition: 

1. Give young children an entertaining travel kit for the move.
2. Give older children a diary for recording the trip and move.
3. Give children of all ages a special address book and stationery set for keeping up with old friends.
4. Take videos of the new home if the kids won't get to see it before the move.
5. Arrive well before the movers so kids can explore and become acquainted first.
6. Give children a chore to do, such as working on their room (younger), supervising little siblings (middle), and painting or arranging furniture (older kids).
7. Take a break with the family as soon as possible to explore the museums, sights and recreation in your new city.
8. Arrange a visit to new schools and a meeting with the teacher before the actual first day of attendance.
9. Encourage the children to bring new friends home.

 

Regardless of when you move, prepare your children well for the transition. By planning you'll be able to offer them a few details of what to expect. Give the kids plenty of opportunity to express their feelings about the move and their anxieties about the new school, new friends, teachers, and their sadness at leaving all that is familiar. Try to find ways to address your own emotional needs and your stress load so that you appear available to the kids at all times. Their concerns will only be heightened if they see you with concerns. Find a balance with yourself and your kids, and keep communication open. Planning and organizing can help keep stress to a minimum. Different children have different needs and all kids process stress differently. If you do notice acting out or other behaviors that indicate adjustment problems, talk to the guidance counselor or the pediatrician about how to proceed.  Share your feelings and encourage the kids to see the move as a family adventure. You're all in it together, and it's important that everyone understands how normal these feelings are. Looking ahead to the new house, new school, and new friends should shortly be an exciting experience.” concluded Joana.

 

Jennifer Darby, broker co-owner added, "Joana comes to ERA Justin Realty with years of purchase and sales real estate experience. She is a people-person and knows that strong business relationships will result in successful purchases and sales. We proudly boast, 'There is a difference in real estate companies.' Her career is based on commitment and trust and you will see a strong report with her first time, repeat and investment buyers and sellers."

 

Joana concluded, “This is an overview of how you may want to handle your move.  It is our pleasure to assist our buyers and sellers throughout the entire process.  Reach any of our sales professionals at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue.  By phone, (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.”  Additional information about ERA Justin Realty is available on their 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

                               

According to ERA Justin Realty's Kristen Davis, the customer and client is the reason for her job, for without them she wouldn't have a purpose.  Well recognized throughout Bergen County, residing in Rutherford for over forty years with her husband Mike, they have raised their children Kyle, Christopher and Jillian.  She is a parishioner at St. Mary's church, and is active in the American Cancer Society's Rutherford Relay for Life, as well as the NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) walk.  She shares tips and hints and accessibility features to better area homeowners.
 

ERA Justin Realty: How Accessibility Features Can Serve Homeowners of All Ages and Abilities

 

We all need a helping hand from time to time, but prefer to remain as independent as possible. Accessible features in a home are a way of lending ourselves a hand, and staying in our own house for much longer than we otherwise might.

 

“As more members of the baby boom generation - which comprises the largest segment of America’s population - reach retirement age, many of them show a preference for “aging in place” in their own homes rather than moving to traditional elderly communities and facilities. This trend has created more interest than ever in the designing and retrofitting of homes for maximum ease of use. Heightened awareness of the needs of disabled people of all ages, and increased legislative attention to their rights, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have also helped drive a trend which can benefit all homebuyers,” stated ERA Justin Realtor agent Kristen Davis.

 

Continuing, "The customer and client is the reason for my job, for without them, I wouldn't have a purpose."  She is well recognized throughout the area, residing in Rutherford for over forty years with her husband Mike and children Kyle, Christopher and Jillian.  Kristen is a parishioner at St. Mary's church, and volunteers with the American Cancer Society and the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA).  She enjoys fund-raising activities for causes close to her heart, and loves spending family time in addition to reading and running.

What has come to be called “Universal Design” is a set of standards for making every house a welcoming home for inhabitants of all ability levels. These include placing light switches and thermostats low enough, and electrical outlets high enough, for anyone to reach; outfitting hallways with railings and showers with grab-bars and stools; replacing doorknobs with levers; offering ramps as well as stairs, and doorways that can accommodate wheelchairs; and minimizing falling risks through secure, low-pile carpeting. Though there was a time when accessibility was considered an obstacle to resale value and desirability, attitudes – and demographics – have changed, and Universal Design is now considered a resale advantage. This potential extra salability can be achieved through minimal effort and expense. For instance, in many cases a room can be made wheelchair-accessible simply by changing the direction of a swinging door.

 

Kristen continued, “The simplicity of such measures – and their popularity with potential homebuyers – makes it equally desirable to build a new home with these considerations in mind, or to retrofit an existing home with them. No one has to feel they’ve turned their home into a medical facility –you can avoid this with some smart and simple methods that enhance convenience and are common sense for all homeowners, while maintaining the more intangible comforts of home, like independence and familiar communities. In addition to the convenience offered by making these types of upgrades to a home, there are government loan programs that can help subsidize accessibility modifications. Talk to one of our ERA Justin Realtor agents about accessible-home options in any area where you may be interested in buying. He or she can also find out about financing opportunities and other ways to keep your path to satisfying and secure homeownership a clear one.  Other important information I will provide includes a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) report of today's market values and pricing your home in this current economic environment.

 

ERA Justin Realty, a leading area Realtor serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties is part of the ERA global real estate network which was named a recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms, based on responses from 4,834 home buyers and sellers surveyed.  We also proudly share that we have been the #1 brokerage for closed Rutherford sales for the past fourteen years. No other brokerage can offer that."

 

Kristen concluded, “To learn more about ERA Justin Realty, our staff of Realtor agents and our award-recognized programs and services we provide, call our team who 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.