ERA JUSTIN REALTY 2019 1st QUARTER ACHIEVERS

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

Ask the ERA Justin Realty first quarter 2019 award achievers, and the answer you will hear is "realistically.” Ask any of the  achievers who will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will have the answers to your real estate questions. They include Sophia Vazac, Julia Dagistanli, Lee Schilare, Fara Espandi, and Carol D. Calamari all cited for outstanding listing and sales production.

 "If you are thinking of selling your home and want to know for how much it could sell, then you should contact a Realtor sales professional at our firm and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value,” suggests Sophia Vazac." 

“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,” adds Julia Dagistanli.

Lee Schilare offers, “To get an estimate of the fair market value, a homeowner can call our ERA Justin Realty Realtor 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, and how long these homes took to sell. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner understand what today's changing market has done to the price of 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,” added both Fara Espandi and Carol D. Calamari.

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. Proof of our abilities for our clients and customers shows in these fine award achievers, honored during the first quarter of 2019 for their production.”

Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

               Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home
                     

Mary Iannaccone, a Realtor agent with ERA Justin Realty offered, “It’s not so much a matter of the newer technologies through alternate energy sources, it’s more a matter of improvements on appliances.  Simply put, these options help us save by losing less.

It may be well worth it to give your home an efficiency upgrade. First, what needs fixing? To identify problem areas, contact a qualified professional and get an energy audit of your home. Some upgrades are simple and less expensive. For example, one common problem is insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that proper ceiling insulation alone can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 percent. Other energy draining problems can be solved by replacing old fixtures with more modern and efficient models. Windows, doors, and skylights equipped with sealed double or triple panes also reduce heating and cooling costs and are features for which utility companies often offer rebates. 

The EPA notes that air leakage from gaps in your home’s structure, holes for plumbing and wiring, for instance, accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy loss a common home uses for heating and cooling. Similar troubles come from inadequately sealed duct joints and otherwise inefficient, older heating and cooling systems. All can be repaired or replaced.

Even conventional systems such as ventilation can release enough heat from your home to cost a fortune in unnecessary bills. Upgrading these systems can pay for itself, and later pay off as an attractive resale value when possible buyers of your home want to benefit from this form of savings. 

And when you’re ready to go from finding the problem of fixing it, the government doesn’t just supply the bad news, it provides some solutions, as well. The EPA’s Energy Star rating has appeared on numerous products, identifying efficient appliances and other home furnishings that enable vast savings. Energy Star central air conditioners can save 20 percent on cooling bills. 

Studies have shown the resale advantages of homes with lower energy costs. Look for such solutions, and buyers will be more likely to look into your home. Your utility bills, Energy Star fact sheets, and other documentation can be attractive proof to present to prospective buyers.

In the short term, you can save on some of these improvements even as they enhance your home’s value. In addition to offering expert advice and home-selling solutions.

Consult an ERA Justin Realty consultant on how to navigate the options and opportunities available for the energy-conscious homeowner. Your investment in the future can have many returns right in the present.”

The ERA Justin Realty full-service real estate consultants 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 website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin is Proud to be #1 in Closed Rutherford Transactions for 18 Consecutive Years

Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby are very proud to report that ERA JUSTIN REALTY is the #1 office in closed sales transactions of Rutherford properties for 18 consecutive years!! And serving with strong listings and sales in Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Ocean and Hudson Counties. No other area real estate firm has accomplished the Rutherford status. Thanks to our exceptional Realtor team of sales agents responsible for our outstanding success.....

“Beth went above and beyond. I would recommend her to everyone.” ~ “Carol was fantastic! I have already recommended her to my friends.” ~“Catherine was outstanding. I am very pleased with her work.” ~“Cathy is a true professional in every sense of the word. ~ A real class act!” “Danielle is amazing, definitely worth having her as a Realtor.”~"Fara goes out of her way to make sure her clients have the best experience.” ~“Glenn was great, I was very pleased with the service provided.”~“Grace turned a business deal into a friendship for life.”~“Ilene is great to work with; you can always depend on her.”~“Jennifer made the home buying process seamless and pleasurable.”~“Jen was a pleasure to work with and always available when needed.”~“Jessi helped us buy the right house in the right neighborhood.”~“Joana is an excellent agent to work with. Highly recommend her!”~“Julia is a great Realtor. Very knowledgeable and very attentive.”~“Kristen was very helpful and a joy to work with!”~“Lee was great! She made the process of buying a home easy.”~“Mary was really great and we chose her because of her knowledge and honesty.”~“Michelle was wonderful to work with!”~“If you are looking for an honest and professional person, put your trust in Monika."~"Morgan was so helpful, responsive and honest throughout the whole process.”~“Peggy is a wonderful salesperson and great to work with!”~“Rose was truly a great ERA Agent, we highly recommend to our friends & family”~“Sharon is the best, you will not be disappointed.”

To learn more, call the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD, and the firm's meet and greet Hoboken location. 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’S RELOCATION TIPS FOR KIDS

Beth Albanese and Sharon Robie focused sales professionals with ERA Justin Realty offer important relocation tips for kids. “ERA Justin Realty has been #1 in closed Rutherford transactions for the past 18 years. Many of the homes purchased, were done so with plans for their kids to begin the school year in a brand new location. Every year, one out of five American families move. One of the most important issues to them is explaining the news that they're moving and adjusting to their 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.” Other factors depend on a child's age, Beth and Sharon continued:

“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 beforehand 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 she can go to. If he takes karate or plays soccer or baseball, even if her favorite thing to do is 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 unhappily to the move. 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 to 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. Arrive well before the movers so kids can explore and become acquainted first.
5. Give children a chore to do, such as working on their room (younger), supervising little siblings (middle), and painting or arranging furniture (older kids).
6. Take a break with the family as soon as possible to explore the museums, sights, and recreation in your new city.
7. Arrange a visit to new schools and a meeting with the teacher before the actual first day of attendance.
8. Encourage the children to bring new friends home.

Regardless of when you move, prepare your children well for the transition. By planning ahead, you'll be able to offer them a few details of what to expect. Give the kids plenty of opportunities to express their feelings about the move, and their anxieties about the new school, new friends and teachers. Try to find ways to address your own emotional needs and your stress load so that you appear available to the kids at times. Planning and organizing can help keep stress to a minimum. Different children have different needs, certainly, and all kids process stress differently. Share your feelings and encourage the kids to see the move as a family adventure. You're all in it together. You will all experience emotional ups and downs, and it's important that everyone understands how normal these feelings are. Acknowledge the emotions of moving. Looking ahead to the new house, new school, and new friends should shortly be an exciting experience.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, owner-broker concluded, “This is an overview of how you may want to handle your move. It is our pleasure to assist our home buyers and sellers throughout the entire process. Reach any of our Realtor 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 our 1000's of homes websites at www.erajustin.com and www.erajustinrealty.com."

When Buyers are also Sellers, a Kristen Davis Report

When Buyers are also Sellers, a Kristen Davis Report

 

What do buyers do when they are also sellers?  And how do sellers proceed when they want to buy?  Although the most simple real estate purchase occurs when a first time buyer finds a property, it’s very common for buyers and sellers to both purchase and sell at the same time…even in the same day!

 

Kristen said, "Having this specifically happening, knowing that the beautiful center hall colonial on a tree lined Rutherford street would be perfect for the young couple looking to sell their local two family, we scheduled an appointment.  As we walked through the home their smiles  gave way to confirmation of their excitement.  Within minutes we were at ERA Justin Realty writing a contract, and the next day their offer was accepted!  Although this was fabulous news for the young buyers, they needed to act quickly to list and sell their house.

 

Maintaining a house well makes the listing and showing process easier and to sell more quickly. A warm, meticulously kept home sells faster when priced right, and this was the story of our buyers’ home.  Set in a convenient location their two family sold as quickly as the single family they were purchasing, and with the cooperation and professionalism of all involved the properties closed on schedule and in the same day!

 

Not just a matter of logistics and coordination, buying a home while selling a home can also take patience and flexibility.  Most buyers need to sell in order to purchase, so  their sale typically will need to occur prior to their purchase.  The buyers will need to empty their home so their buyer can walk through an empty property.  In our case the sellers were out in advance and allowed the buyers to store items in the garage of the new house.  Whatever didn’t fit went in the rented moving truck which would be unloaded after the second closing!

 

Benefits to selling first and buying second are that buyers know exactly how much they have netted from the first transaction.  Due to the sellers’ kindness they were able to get out in time for their sale to close prior to their purchase."

 

Ron Darby ERA Justin Broker said, “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 this award. ERA Real Estate was the two time recipient for customer satisfaction for first time home buyers and home sellers.  This is an honor above all honors. Our team of sales agents exceed buyer expectations, and through their daily efforts this prestigious award has a home at our firm.  Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone me for a confidential conversation.  Give us a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding lifetime career.”

Darby concluded, "To learn more, call Kristen and the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue by phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD, and the firm's meet and greet Hoboken location. Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less

Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less

In a recent Blog, CoreLogic reported that rent prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Meanwhile, the typical mortgage payment has actually decreased.

ERA Justin Realty's Grace Tirrito a strong Realtor agent known for her many years of Rutherford and Lyndhurst sales, rentals and listings said, "CoreLogic’s national rent index was up 36% in December 2018 compared with December 2005, while the typical mortgage payment was down 4% over that period.”Why the difference between the costs of renting versus owning? It makes sense that rents have risen. However, how did mortgage payments decrease? CoreLogic explained: “It’s mainly because mortgage rates back in December 2005 were significantly higher, averaging 6.3% for a fixed-rate 30-year loan, compared with 4.6% in December 2018.

The national median sale price in December 2005 – $190,000 – was lower than the $220,305 median in December 2018, but because of higher mortgage rates in 2005 the typical monthly mortgage payment was slightly higher back then – $941 – compared with $904 in December 2018.”
Additionally, a recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed that purchasing a home requires less of your monthly paycheck. According to the Economists’ Outlook Blog, NAR’s February 2019 Housing Affordability Index showed that the “percentage of income needed” to pay the typical mortgage has decreased the last three months.

· November – 17.3%
· December – 16.9%
· January – 16.2%
· February – 15.9%

What does this all mean to the current housing market? Grace concluded, "First American said it best in their recent post: The mortgage rate-driven affordability surge has arrived just in time… Rising affordability has already benefited home buyers and, if the lower rate environment persists, we’re in for a continuing strong home-buying season.”

ERA Justin Realty has continuously 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 and Second 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.

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 or 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 1000s of homes website at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com