ERA Justin Realty Wins Accolades For Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar

ERA Justin Realty Wins Accolades For Elder Law-Estate Planning Seminar

Rutherford:  ERA Justin Realty as part of its ongoing community service seminars, recently held a successful Elder Law Estate Planning Seminar with National Academy Elder Law attorney, Benjamin Eckman, Esq. 

Once announced, reservations were fully filled with residents of Bergen and Passaic counties. ERA Justin Realty Senior Specialists from the firm coordinated the event which was hosted at BCB bank of Rutherford.

Jennifer Darby Metzger ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner stated,  “We recognize the importance of this seminar topic because it impacts each and every one of us in one way or another.  Once assembled did all then have greater understanding of the common issues that face us all, as our attendees questions from all areas of the room shared commonality on the topics.  Mr. Eckman spoke on asset protection, wills and trusts, probate and power of attorney, nursing home and long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and guardianships.” Attendee comments included, “We’d love more seminars.”  “It was excellent and thank you.”  “The seminar was very informative. “We quickly made an appointment with Mr. Eckman.”  “We found the seminar informative, your staff very pleasant and I thank you for your attentiveness.”

This was the second in a series of Elder Law seminars brought by ERA Justin Realty Co. with a repeat seminar to be planned for Spring 2016 because of such an overwhelming request by those who could not attend our last seminar.

"As a strong industry leader and a national Top-100 firm, ERA Justin Realty is underscoring the critical role of community information," added Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty  broker co-owner.

The firm is nearing announcement of an additional seminar for first-time homebuyers, which will include guest speakers who will explain many new programs offered in this fast changing borrowing market.

“There is a difference in real estate companies,” Metzger continued, “Presenting community seminars, we believe, is another way to exceed buyers and sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics. In fact, our buyers and sellers have put their reviews in writing. We have on file for the asking, Real Estate Results In Writing, our report of nearly 800 reviews and testimonials from our very satisfied buyers and sellers.  No other area real estate firm offers that.”

The ERA Justin Realty full service team of 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 websites at www.ERAJustin.com andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty: Kubs Team offers, How Renters Become Buyers

ERA Justin Realty: Kubs Team offers, How Renters Become Buyers

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.

According to Allyson and Wayne Kubs familiar with rental and investment properties through ownership, "Renting is most people's first step toward homeownership, but what do you need to do to realize the dream of owning a home? ERA Justin Realty’s Kubs team shares important insight for those 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 can 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 homeownership. 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 homeownership. 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 agents can help you navigate through these options, accessing financing programs for qualified buyers. 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 and seek common-sense strategies, then your every move in the renter's world can be pointing you home.”

Allyson concluded, “ Our team at ERA Justin Realty have the answers or available just a phone call way. Because of our daily priorities, we've proudly received the prestigious ERA global Commitment to Excellence Award.”

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Broker added, “All across the nation, the most coveted award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award. 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.”

Allyson, Wayne and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor sales 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. View 1000's of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty's Joana Ilescu Reviews Best Dollar-For-Dollar Improvement Returns

ERA Justin Realty's Joana Ilescu Reviews

Best Dollar-For-Dollar Improvement Returns

It would be nice if you could count on getting one dollar back when you sell your house for each dollar you invested in renovations. Most people hope for more than a dollar-for-dollar return. In reality, many improvements return less than the amount invested.

For example, a Cost Versus Value Report,  published by a past National Association of Realtors report, and reported by Inman News, that nationally, the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was only 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and  79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel. These percentages vary throughout the country and are only suggested with variations.

“Does this mean that remodeling is a waste of your time and money? No, but  don't go about a renovation in a haphazard fashion. It's important to do your due diligence investigations before embarking on any remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a home. There are many variables to consider,” stated Joana Ilescu Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty Co.

“First, consider that the figures quoted are national averages. The amount recouped on a remodel depends in large part on where you live. There's significant variability from one city to the next, according to the NAR report.  For instance, nationally, homeowners recouped approximately 90 percent on a bathroom remodel. But, the amount recouped for the same job was 109.7 percent in New York City, 100 percent in San Francisco, and only 61.3 percent in Denver, on average.  The return on a remodeling investment will also depend on the value of your home, particularly in relationship to the value of homes in your neighborhood. If you have a small home in a neighborhood of larger, more expensive homes, you could come out ahead by enlarging your home. However, it's important to keep costs in line so that you don't end up over-improving your home for the neighborhood. Buyers tend to discount a home that's priced above the value of other homes in the neighborhood. Before remodeling, it's also important to consider your competition. In some areas, certain remodeling projects are taken for granted. For instance, if you're in an upscale neighborhood of older homes where most homeowners have remodeled their kitchen and bathrooms, you may be penalized price-wise by the market if your home is outdated. In areas where home prices are rising rapidly, you're likely to recoup more on your remodel investment than you would during times of meager appreciation. With this in mind, you're more likely to recoup your investment over the long term.” Joana added.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner added,  “There's a subjective factor that can't be overlooked when remodeling. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership. And, don't discount the value of creature comfort. There's a certain sense of well being to be derived from a home that suits your lifestyle while aptly reflecting who you are. Despite these factors, from an investment standpoint, it makes sense to consider resale value before making an investment in a major renovation. This doesn't mean that you should remodel your home with someone else in mind. But, if you're aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it's wise to consider home buyer preferences in your area. If your remodeling is not in tune with what buyers want, it could actually decrease the value of your home. Also keep in mind that while trends vanish quickly, quality and good taste are timeless.  The NAR Cost Versus Value Report was based on professional judgment rather than on actual sales data. Therefore, the report is somewhat subjective. However, it does point out the importance of carefully considering before remodeling.”

Joana concluded,  “All across the nation, one of the most coveted awards that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Real Estate was the recipient For Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.”

Joana and all of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor sales persons 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 www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.