ERA Justin Realty Demystifies 2018 Winter Home Selling

ERA Justin Realty Demystifies 2018 Winter Home Selling         

As the leaves fall and the weather gets colder, homeowners sometime 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 may command a different selling price than in the Spring. Following are the 4 most common myths as well as the truths about selling a home in the Winter, as reviewed by the group of ERA Justin Realty sales professionals and management team. 

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 continuous monthly market balance," according to Ron Darby Broker Co-Owner, "since most markets are interest rate driven." "Interest rates are currently low, and that is what motivates most buyers." 

Foot traffic through your home in the Spring, may be a bit more but a  portion of these people may be just "lookers," according to Darby, "In the late fall and winter you may have slightly fewer showings, but you tend to get more serious qualified buyers because few people like to spend an afternoon browsing through homes when the weather is cold, rainy or snowy. These buyers may be more serous while the "lookers" may wait until the Spring."


Myth #2 "My house will sell for a higher price in the Spring" or "Since the economy has been so good in 2017, I'll wait to get an even higher price for my house in 2018."

TRUTH: The strong home prices of 2017 may remain similar and not continue to escalate in 2018. We know what the strong economy is like now. With worldwide uncertainties, there is no way to predict what lies ahead in the Spring of 2018. "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 Darby. "Remember, it only takes one buyer to purchase a house, and sellers establish the price that they choose to offer their  house at.  Houses that are well decorated, updated and in move-in condition typically move rapidly, continued Darby. 


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 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. 

Sellers interested in learning more about selling their home in the late Fall/Winter can contact the ERA Justin Realty sales professionals at both of their Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, for a no obligation Comparable Analysis Report.  A written report that provides the market value of a house, those houses that have sold, market trends and other information that will aid a seller in properly pricing their house is available for the asking.  Phone the ERA Justin Realty team at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  ERA Justin Realty is a “Top 100” ERA real estate firm worldwide and have sold multi-thousands of houses since they opened their office in 1950 for service to their sellers, their buyers and the communities they serve.

ARE DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE BROKERS REALLY A BARGAIN?

ARE DISCOUNT REAL ESTATE BROKERS REALLY A BARGAIN?

Everybody wants a bargain. We all want to pay less for food, airfare and clothes so we go to shopping clubs, on-line and to shopping outlets, respectively, to buy discounted products and services. These are true bargains because we get the same brand name products for a lower price. But have you ever considered going to a discount dentist, doctor or lawyer? Probably not. When it comes to professional services, most of us feel that you get what you pay for.

Glenn Elliot, a consistent ERA Justin Realty Leadership Circle achiever, broker and Realtor agent suggests, “Let's take real estate services, for example. If you consider that the most costly purchase in your life is going to be your house, it makes the most sense to use the best real estate professional you can find to buy or sell it. Not in every case, but sometimes sellers may be attracted to a discount broker whereby sellers may pay a lower commission to sell their home, based on services offered. While many discount brokers advertise that they provide the same level of service as a traditional real estate broker, they do so only to some extent, and some at a higher commission rate than offered. For the lowest commission being offered, sellers may get little more than their house being listed with some photos on the discount broker's Internet sites. This rate may not include marketing it with the local Multiple Listing Service, nor on Realtor.com®, both of which facilitate greater exposure to buyers. Sellers may also be instructed to show their own house to potential buyers because, at a discounted commission rate, an agent may not accompany the buyer on the showing.”

By contrast, when you select and hire a local full service real estate agent to sell your home, you should seek and get a professional with experience and extensive skills in local value, marketing, financial advisory, sales, negotiations and overseeing the many tasks from the sale through title closing. Sometimes helping with clients' anxieties and finding local contractors, attending inspections, helping to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy to the list, and you get the picture that real estate services go well beyond providing customers with just a listing or an online virtual tour of homes for sale.

While the discount broker concept may rely on a possible out-of-the-area-agent, who may drive a distance to show a buyer in order to offer lower commissions, in reality, the lack of local agents who are expert in the local marketplace may translate into inexperienced agents with no firsthand knowledge of the local community.”

Elliot continued, “Internet-based discount brokers, in particular, fail to attract buyers who need a Realtor® with a local presence. The greatest flaw in their discount broker concept is that they alone can attract buyers, which is the primary reason for selling your home through a local Realtor® in the first place. From the buyer’s point of view, there is absolutely no advantage to using an Internet discount real estate broker since the seller, not the buyer, pays the commission. Why not take advantage of all the services we offer to them, free of charge, such as previewing properties, visiting neighborhoods and homes together, helping them obtain mortgages from local lenders, finding good contractors and services in the local community and much more. Our ERA Justin real estate professionals are often the first person a buyer knows in the neighborhood, and is an invaluable resource to new homeowners. In addition, full service real estate professionals rely solely on commissions for their compensation, similar to an attorney who takes a case on contingency. The Realtor® has great incentive to work hard for their clients. By contrast, some discount brokers generally pay their "consultants/agents" a salary and a very small commission. Once again, you get what you pay for.”

All ERA Justin Realty full service 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.

 

Kristen Davis Provides ERA Justin Realty State-of-the-Art Services

As more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology for the benefit of buyers, sellers and agents.

Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® as well as the RealSource Association of Realtors offers its members programs designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and implement Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates includes Kristen Davis with a REALTOR e-PRO certification as an award winning Realtor agent with ERA Justin Realty.

“The real estate industry has undergone changes over the past years,” Kristen said. “Today, nearly all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As a certified agent, I have knowledge and tools needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand. Each buyer and seller is the reason for my job, for without them I wouldn’t have a purpose, lessons learned in my early career when I joined ERA Justin Realty and philosophies I continue to practice and live by.”

The REALTOR e-PROÒ certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

Ron Darby ERA-Justin Realty Broker said, "Kristen has a vast knowledge of real estate. Her background was founded learning the real estate business in administrative work first and then achieving her New Jersey real estate license. She joined our team in September 2004. She is positive, outgoing and enthusiastic and that is a great asset in Kristen’s exceptional real estate career with us. Her nature makes her buyers and sellers instantly comfortable with her and her abilities to provide the services they require for a successful purchase or sale."

Kristen concluded, “I am always pleased to offer a complimentary, no-obligation CMA market value report for those who are considering the sale of their homes, as well as looking forward to working with buyers and families transferring to Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties. I get strong satisfaction helping others in their real estate needs, and can honestly say that I give my all to each and every buyer and seller I work with. There really is a difference in Realtors and ERA Justin Realty Co. Call me at (201)939-7500."

ERA Justin Top Producers Report for 2018 Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers

ERA Justin Top Producers Report for 2018 

Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers

ERA Justin Realty’s Danielle Sette and Jessi Davidson exceeded market challenges for 2017. To be successful, these sales professionals know what makes for a successful listing and sale and advise that smart sellers should think like buyers.  This advice continues into 2018.

Jennifer Darby, broker co-owner said, “There are plenty of homebuyers focused on buying while they can still lock in a low mortgage rate. So, the 2018 housing market should present good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this selling environment. Buyers are concerned about perceived value.  For this reason, pricing is more important than ever, as is property condition. Buyers are less forgiving of defects. So, ideally, you should review defects before you put your house on the market.”

Danielle said, “Listings are most salable 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 marketing plan. You want to make sure that information about your listing reaches as many potential buyers as possible. Jessi and I and our  ERA Justin Realtor agents are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when reviewing the sale of their house.   We provide you with a marketing plan with samples of our marketing materials that will be used to promote your house, as well as strong Internet exposure on our major websites and our full page continuous advertisements in The South Bergenite, an award-winning North Jersey Media Group publication.”

Jessi added,  “A listing on the Internet isn't enough though. Buyers don't look at listings that don't have photos. You can gain an edge on the competition with the many photos and a video tour of your house that we create and are on the Internet as soon as your house is opened to the market. For these reasons, we receive referrals from many sellers who had a positive experience buying their home through us and decide to list with the our Realtor agents who represented them as buyers. Our aim is to sell for the highest price possible. Don't list for less than a price you can accept. But, keep in mind that overpriced listings won't sell. The majority of houses include a bank appraisal as part of the mortgage process.  Our ERA Justin Realtor agents 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 upcoming 2018 updates.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office.”

Danielle and Jessi concluded, "Multi-thousands of listings and sales have been generated since we opened our offices in 1950. We can be reached at either of our 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 www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

Increasing Investment Potential: Mary Iannaccone Overview

Increasing Investment Potential: Mary Iannaccone 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 keeping that old house - or buying another - as an income-generating property. But the rewards, in savings and profits can be high.

Mary Iannaccone an ERA Justin Realtor agent offers, “One option for buyers who otherwise might consider home prices beyond their reach is the property that pays 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 tax consequences change and you should verify information with your tax consultant. Rental units can be depreciated over time; considered to offset the rental income. This can lower your taxes on that income. At the same time, the rent's 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. 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 a qualified real estate sales professional can help, with the local rental market and its prospects over time. And of course being a long-distance landlord has special concerns, so you have to enjoy the challenge and be ready to meet the needs.

You may even prefer a fixer-upper to your familiar 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 is not for everyone, but - from younger buyers offsetting their purchase costs, to seniors easing the expenses of their retirement years - it can be for all kinds of people. Talk to a real estate sales professional at ERA Justin Realty to find out if rental property is what you seek.”

Mary concluded, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase. We live it every day. We proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’. All across the nation, the most sought 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 and Home Sellers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.' For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice since beginning in business in 1950.

 

 

ERA Justin Realty's Jenna Bado Answers Questions for First-Time Homebuyers

ERA Justin Realty's Jenna Bado Answers Questions for First-Time Homebuyers

ERA Justin Realty, a leading Realtor firm serving communities of Bergen County as well as Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties with thousands of listings, sales and first time homebuyers have been serving clients since their opening in 1950.

Having seen shifts in the industry as well as shifts in mortgage interest rates, buyers have enjoyed both the benefits of homeownership as well as value appreciation over the years.

ERA Justin Realtor agent Jenna Bado stated, "It is now nearing year-end. If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with excitement. To help keep you sleeping soundly examine a variety of questions for first time homebuyers.

How do I decide what to look for in a home? Do I prefer a Colonial, Cape Cod, single or multi-family? How much room do I need right now and for my future anticipated needs? Perhaps the Olympic size swimming pool and tennis courts can be put off for another day."

Continuing, Jenna said, "Should I begin to search the entire real estate market or a specific location? Choosing where to live usually is determined by your personal circumstances and desires with a specific block in mind. Do you prefer an urban or suburban location? Consider your proximity to work, school, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your thoughts, the Internet can be a tool for learning what your selected community has the offer. Ask, how can I find financing that makes sense to me? The last thing you want to do is start out in your first home with uncomfortable levels of expense.

Seeking the advice of an ERA Realtor agent will give you varied financing options by calling us at (201) 939-7500 and visiting our Internet websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com. The JD Power and Associates satisfaction award was received by ERA Real Estate for first time homebuyers, one of the most sought after awarded in the industry."