Friday, December 18, 2020


 Selling Your Home During the Winter

Winter is here, and while bad weather used to discourage buyers from venturing out, the rise in virtual tours and online showings eliminates many of the old roadblocks that came with home sales in the winter season.  

“The biggest challenge for sellers in the winter season is the weather.  Even the brightest home can look dreary in inclement weather,” says Kristin Davis, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  “With a few simple touches to create a warm and welcoming ambience, your home can still shine during this selling season.”  


Clear a Path

Make sure walkways are shoveled clean of snow, and sprinkle a layer of sand or salt if freezing is a possibility. Place a rubber mat by the door for wet shoes and boots.  

 

Let the Light In

Open the blinds and push back the drapes on every window. Turn on every light in the house, including appliance lights and closet lights. 

 

Keep it Warm

“Heat the house a degree or two warmer than usual before the showing, then reset to the usual temp,” recommends Kristin. “This will keep the HVAC system from going on during a buyer visit.” Keep the inside temps at a comfortable level -- 65 degrees should do it -- to give a buyer more incentive to linger.

 

Create a Mood

“Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home, so be sure to make your rooms appear warm, cozy, and inviting,” Kristin advises. Light a fire in the fireplace. Toss blankets or throws across the couch arms. Set your dining room table and add candles. A few subtle changes can go a long way.  

 

Turn On the Sound

Music can also set a mood. Play soft music - light jazz or classical are best bets -- throughout the house. Stream from a service like iTunes or Spotify so the music is continuous.  

 

Ease Up on the Scents

Many people are allergic to certain scents and deodorizers, and a closed house can intensify these smells, so don't use plug-in air fresheners or burn scented candles. 

 

Don’t let the winter season discourage you from putting your house on the market.  Call 201.939.7500 to speak to Kristin or any of the other knowledgeable sales associates at ERA Justin Realty to determine the best time to sell your home. 


Thursday, December 10, 2020

Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

 

Save Money on Winter Heating Bills

December 21 is the first day of winter.  “According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re in for a snowy winter in the Northeast, with the possibility of a blizzard hitting sometime in early February,” says Glenn Elliot, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  With colder temperatures in the forecast, here are some easy tips to lower your heating bills and save money this winter season.

 

Use a programmable thermostat and use a lower setting. You will save up to 3 percent on your heating bill per degree lowered over a 24 hour period (or about 1 percent per 8 hours). A programmable thermostat can make this regulation easier and help you save 10-20% on your energy bill year round. Glenn suggests, “Program your heater to come on right before you wake up, cool down when you leave for work, warm up when you return from work, and go down again right before you go to bed. If you’re working from home, lowering your thermostat even one degree makes a difference.”

 

Change air filters monthly. Clean air filters permit a better flow of air through your heating system, allowing hot air to more easily flow through the vents and into your rooms. You also reduce the strain on your furnace, which can extend its life. 

 

Seal the leaks in your house. If you seal most of these leaks, you can save between 10-20% on your heating bill this winter. “Seal gaps around any pipes, wires, vents or other openings with caulk or weather stripping,” Glenn recommends. 

 

Add insulation to your house. Insulation helps keep the hot air in and the cold air out. This can not only save you money, but it can also be a tax-deductible home improvement which will give you an even better return for your investment!

 

Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can reduce your heating costs because moist air retains heat better than dry air. There are other benefits to using a humidifier as well -- they reduce static electricity, ease dry skin, and make it easier to breathe. 

 

Most of these improvements are inexpensive and easy enough for just about anyone to do. But some are best handled by a professional.   Contact Glenn or any of the other experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500 to refer you to the trusted home maintenance and repair vendors in your area.


Sunday, December 6, 2020


 The Financial Benefits of Home Ownership


Mortgage rates have hit new record lows 11 times in 2020, according to The Mortgage Reports. If you are ready to buy, it’s a fantastic time to lock in.


And while a low mortgage interest rate is a great reason to start your home buying journey, there are multiple financial benefits to home ownership. “Owning a home is a great way to build your long-term wealth,” says Julia Daglistanli, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty. “Instead of paying your landlord, you are paying toward your own investment.”


According to a report by Trulia, buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 37.4%. And while that alone may have you thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension, there are many other reasons to buy versus renting.  

Here are four more reasons why owning a home makes financial sense:

Mortgage payments can be fixed while rents go up. $485.6 billion was spent on rents in the U.S. in 2017, representing an increase of over $4.9 billion from the year before. What’s more, rents have increased consistently over the last 20+ years.

Equity in your home can be a financial resource later. “The equity built in your home can be borrowed against in the form of a home equity loan or home equity line of credit,” Julia explains. “Simply put, a home equity loan is essentially a ‘second mortgage’ that uses your home as collateral as you borrow an exact amount of money.”


A mortgage can act as a forced savings account. Each month, your housing payments go toward owning your home instead of renting it; building your personal wealth and assets instead of someone else’s.


Overall, homeowners can enjoy greater wealth growth than renters. According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, a homeowner’s net worth is 44.5 times greater than that of a renter ($231,400 vs. $5,200).


If you’re interested in learning more about how home ownership may benefit you,  call Julia or one of the other sales professionals at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500.


Tuesday, December 1, 2020

 



Selling Your Home in Today’s Marketplace

Are you thinking about selling your home to take advantage of the current real estate market, but a little worried about the process due to current health and safety concerns?


In a survey by Realtor.com, people thinking about selling their houses today indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They’re less comfortable, however, hosting an open house, which is understandable, given the health concerns our country is facing this year. 


“If you need to sell your house now, you should ask your realtor what virtual practices they have in place to ensure that everyone -- you, your family, and potential buyers -- is comfortable with the home showing and selling process,” says Fara Espandi, as sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  


Working with a trusted professional who is skilled with today’s changing virtual practices is critical during this current selling climate. “My colleagues at ERA Justin and I always abide by the recommendations given by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as well as state and local regulations,” Fara explains, adding, “We know what today’s buyers need and how to put the necessary steps in place. 


For example, according to the same realtor.com survey, when asked to select what technology would be most helpful when deciding on a new home, here’s what today’s homebuyers said, in order of preference:


  • Virtual tour of the home

  • Accurate and detailed listing information

  • Detailed neighborhood information

  • High-quality listing photos

“At ERA Justin, we have the tools and technology to promote your home in today’s marketplace, including virtual tours and access to professional photographers” Fara explains. “In addition, we have achieved the number one ranking in Rutherford closed sales for 19 years running.  If you want a neighborhood expert who can provide the accurate and detailed information buyers want, look no further than the sales associates ERA Justin.” 

 

If you’re ready to sell, contact Fara or any of the knowledgeable and professional sales agents at ERA Justin Realty to learn more about how to effectively navigate through today’s current landscape. You can reach us at 201.939.7500, or stop by our offices in Rutherford at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue in Rutherford.

Monday, November 23, 2020


 The Benefits of Working with a Team to Sell Your Home


When it’s time to sell your home, you need the experience, industry knowledge and local market expertise that only a real estate professional can provide. But what additional benefits does working with a real estate team offer to you, as a homebuyer or seller? And does your choice of real estate companies make a difference?  


The answer, of course, is YES. Danielle Sette, Jessi Davidson and Jennifer Zenquis of Team Sette Davidson explain the benefits of working with their team -- and all of the team -- at ERA Justin Realty. 


Increased Accessibility

When one member is unable to take your call or show you a property, there is another agent available to assist you. “In addition to having Team Sette Davidson at your service, we are also supported by an ‘agent on call’ at the ERA Justin front desk to make sure that no call goes unanswered,” Danielle explains, continuing, “And that also means we are more likely to connect with any interested buyers.”


Greater Pool of Knowledge

“When clients work with our team, they have access to our collective experience and expertise,” Jessi points out, adding “It’s a tremendous asset to share best practices for serving our clients with our broker and co-workers at ERA Justin.”


“Having a second opinion is always a benefit to the consumer,” adds Danielle.  “That’s why we also ask all the agents in our office to preview new listings through ‘caravan’ and offer their price opinions.  This way the consumer benefits from our entire office’s expertise as well.”


Streamlined and Effective Negotiation Process

“With so many moving parts, having a team on your side will help ensure that nothing gets lost in the shuffle,” says Jessi. 


“Not only are we able to discuss and bounce ideas off each other, but we have the backing of the entire team here at ERA Justin,” notes Jennifer. “When it comes to setting a price, making an offer, or coming up with leverage in a negotiation, we can tap into the collective knowledge, experience, and connections of the many experienced agents in our office.” 


To find out how Team ERA Justin can support your home buying or selling needs,  contact Team Sette Davidson, or any of our experienced sales professionals, at 201.939.7500 or stop by our office located at 118 Jackson Avenue in Rutherford.


Friday, November 13, 2020

ERA Justin Realty Co. Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots Drive


ERA Justin Realty Co. Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots Drive


For the second year in a row, ERA Justin Realty announced that they will be will collaborating with ERA Real Estate and other ERA affiliated brokerages across the country to join together to collect holiday gifts for children in need.

The campaign will kick off the week of November 9 and continue until the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, also known as #GivingTuesday, and will work in tandem with national non-profit organization Toys For Tots. The final day for toy drop off will be Friday, December 5.

Established in 1947, Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere community action
program. A national program with a local touch, the charity has local toy collection and
distribution programs in most major market areas and all 50 states. For more than 70
years it has distributed an annual average of 18 million toys to seven million children in need.
“For many families, they must choose between buying gifts and paying bills,” said Ron Darby, Broker/Co-owner of ERA Justin Realty.

“We have a long history of giving back to our local community,” added Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-Owner. “We are excited to once again team up with our ERA colleagues around the country to ensure that every child experiences the joy of opening a gift this holiday season.”

Donations can be dropped off at ERA Justin’s office at 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford. A drop off box will be available near the front desk. Donations are being accepted from Thursday, November 12 until Friday, December 5.

Do you prefer to do your shopping online? You can also join the movement by purchasing toys online through AmazonSmile.com. By choosing Toys for Tots as the designated charity through AmazonSmile.com, a small portion of each purchase will be donated on behalf of Amazon directly to Toys for Tots at no additional cost. All purchases should be shipped to 118 Jackson, Avenue, Rutherford, NJ 07070. Please shop early to ensure that all purchases are delivered to this location by December 5, 2020.

The entire team at ERA Justin Realty is thankful for your support and generosity this holiday season!

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Christian Peguero Joins the ERA Justin Realty Family of Real Estate Professionals


 

Christian Peguero Joins the ERA Justin Realty Family of Real Estate Professionals

ERA Justin Realty is pleased to announce that our exceptional community of agents continues to grow with the addition of Christian Pegeuro.

Christian grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey and is currently a Wood-Ridge resident. A lifelong resident of Bergen County, he is extremely knowledgeable about this highly desirable area and the benefits of living here and of course, from a bigger perspective, in New Jersey.

After commuting to New York City for the past ten years, and then working from home as COVID-19 made that a necessity, Christian realized the importance of having a perfect place to call home for his family. This inspired him to pursue a career in real estate where he could work to help others find their dream homes and make a positive impact on their lives.

Christian is committed to providing top-notch service, building trust and exceeding the needs of clients as he helps them navigate their own home ownership journey. He looks forward to working with clients whether they be interested in renting, buying or listing property.

“What makes me truly happy is helping others and making a positive impact on their lives,” says Christian. “When I was ready to make a career change to real estate, I reached out to my own real estate agent for guidance,” he recalls. “The support, tools, services -- and most of all -- the warm welcome from the team at ERA Justin Realty, made joining this firm a no-brainer. I am very excited to work with and learn from this group of amazing professionals.”

“We are proud to welcome Christian Peguero to the ERA Justin Realty sales associate family,” states Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-Owner at ERA Justin Realty.

“We look forward to seeing him take advantage of all the support ERA Justin Realty provides, including mentoring, marketing support, and the many education opportunities we provide to ensure our agents have the cutting-edge tools necessary to succeed in their careers,” added Ron Darby, Broker/Co-Owner. 

To meet with Christian or any of our experienced real estate professionals to help you with your real estate needs, call 201.939.7500.

Sunday, November 1, 2020


            Make Your House Look Like Home to Buyers

 While staging a home for sale is not a new concept, many home sellers confuse staging with decorating and consequently miss the boat when it comes to marketing their home. “The moment you place your home for sale, you need to commit to making it into a place that makes potential buyers feel at home,” says Jennifer Sullivan, a sales associate with ERA Justin Realty. “This means you need to emotionally detach.” 

Your Home Should Speak to Buyers 

The goal of home staging is to make the home speak in a compelling and positive way to everyone who comes to see it. “Your magnet collection, family photographs, and cluttered countertops can send the buyer the message that you don’t have enough space, or distract them from the home itself,” Jennifer adds. “Their focus should be on the home, not your stuff.” 

Clean everything 

A clean house will allow buyers to picture themselves in the space and not be distracted. Declutter your pantry and closets to showcase storage space. Pack away non-essentials and small appliances. Empty trash bins and hide dirty laundry. 

Fix anything that’s broken 

Buyers will notice and may offer less for your house if repairs are required. Fix any squeaks or creaks on interior and exterior doors. Replace light bulbs and make sure all the switches work properly. 

Give every room a purpose 

Even if you used it as a bonus room, clear room identity helps buyers visualize and imagine it as their space. 

Let the light in 

Bright rooms feel warm and inviting; dark rooms can feel small and gloomy. Remove any heavy window treatments and opt for ones that let natural light in. 

Update paint and floors 

These are easy things you can update to sell your house faster and for more money. A fresh coat of paint or polished hardwood floors can make all the difference. 

A few small changes and updates can make a huge difference in selling your home quickly and for the best price. To find out how best to market your home, talk to Jennifer or one of our other experienced agents at 201.939.7500.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020


                          

                                        ERA Justin Agents Lead The Market

 

ERA Justin Realty is thrilled to celebrate its Leaders Award winners for the third quarter 2020. The Leaders Awards recognizes those top performing agents that meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. The third quarter winners are (pictured, left to right): Carol D. Calamari, Julia Dagistanli, Catherine Nimmo, Jennifer Sullivan and Cathy Vick.

 

“We are proud to honor these agents not only for their sales performance but also because they exemplify our core values to positively impact their communities and our industry,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin broker/co-owner.  “Each of these individuals have combined their entrepreneurial spirit with the tools, training, and support we provide to all our agents, to create successful, profitable businesses.”

 

“There’s a huge opportunity for agents to grab market share in today’s current economy,” Darby Metzger added.  “Our clients are looking for safer and more comfortable ways to sell and buy a home.   Recent data from Google showed that 15 million consumers are searching for virtual or 3D tours.  A third of those surveyed preferred a contactless way to conduct business.”

 

“At ERA Justin, we provide our agents with the technology, tools and services to seize on these current market trends,”  Darby Metzger continued.  “From professional photographers, virtual tours, and video walk-throughs, to our extensive online listing promotions in hundreds of online outlets,  our agents are able to provide consumers with the exposure, experience and services they need right now.”

 

According to recent market research of agents and brokers affiliated with ERA Real Estate, independents and other brands conducted by Wakefield Research*, ERA Real Estate is regarded as a brand that is leading competitors in growth, speed and potential. Noted primarily as an experienced, full-service offering, ERA Real Estate is recognized for its culture, reputation, relationships and technology. Nearly 80% of surveyed ERA Real Estate agents report that the brand’s tools and technology positively impact their productivity.

 

If you're thinking of a career in real estate and looking to be a part of a powerful network of contact Jennifer Darby Metzger at 201-939-7500

Monday, October 19, 2020


                               Five Reasons NOT To Sell Your Own Home

While there are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your home, now more than ever it’s crucial to have an expert guide you through the process. If you’re considering a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), you must consider the following.  

                                                                       

Your Safety is a Top Priority

“When you FSBO, it’s incredibly difficult to control entry into your home,” says Krista Ponti, sales associate with ERA Justin Realty. “At ERA Justin we follow the current National Association of Realtors (NAR) protocols to protect your health and safety, from regulating the number of people in your home to ensuring proper sanitation procedures.  We also provide virtual tours.”

                                               

An Online Presence is Key

Even before Covid-19, 44% of all buyers started their home search online, and that number jumps to 93% throughout the process, according to NAR. “Our integrated advertising approach includes a presence in hundreds of online outlets to help reach the greatest number of interested, qualified buyers,” adds Krista.           

                       

There Are Too Many Negotiations

In addition to working with the buyer, if you FSBO you’ll also need to work with the buyer’s agent, inspection companies, and the appraiser. In addition, the documentation involved has increased dramatically as more and more disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. A real estate professional is trained to negotiate every aspect of the real estate transaction. 

                                                                       

You Won’t Know if Your Purchaser is Qualified

When you FSBO, it’s almost impossible to be involved in your buyer’s mortgage process. A real estate professional is trained to ask the appropriate questions to ensure your buyer is qualified.                                                         

                                                                       

You Net More Money When Using an Agent                                     

A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, the seller may even net less money from the sale. One of the main reasons for the price difference is effective exposure --the more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place. 


Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling alone, connect with Krista or any of the real estate professionals at ERA Justin Realty at 201-939-7500.                                                  

Saturday, October 17, 2020

How Much Home Can You Afford?

How Much Home Can You Afford?

When looking for a new home,  the first question most people ask is -- how much can I afford?  But price is just one of the things that impacts the purchase -- it’s important to also look at the overall coast in the long run.   A major factor determining this is your mortgage rate.

“Mortgage rates play a huge factor in determining how much you can afford to pay.  Today’s low rates are off-setting rising home prices, because it’s less expensive to borrow money,” explains Lee Shilare, a REALTOR with ERA Justin Realty.  “The lower your interest rate the more you can save over the life of your home loan.”

According to Mortgage News Daily, home ownership is the most affordable it’s been since 2016.  Those shopping for a home can afford 10 percent more home than they could have one year ago while keeping their monthly payment unchanged.   This translates into nearly $32,000 more buying power.

How To Determine What You Can Afford

“Key factors in calculating affordability are  your monthly income; cash reserves to cover your down payment and closing costs; your monthly expenses;  and your credit profile,” says Lee.

Income –  your salary any/or returns from investments. Your income helps establish a baseline for what you can afford to pay every month.

Cash reserves – Savings, investments or other sources you can use for a down payment and closing costs.

Debt and expenses – credit cards, car payments, student loans, groceries, utilities, insurance, etc.

Credit profile – Your credit score plus the amount of debt you owe are influential in how much money a lender will approve you to borrow and the mortgage interest rate you’ll earn. 

Bottom Line

When purchasing a home, it’s important to think about the overall cost, not just the price of the house. Homes on your wish list may be more affordable today than you think. Call 201-939-7500 to connect with Lee or any of our knowledgeable agents At ERA Justin Realty to discuss your long term homeownership goals and determine your own price affordability range.  



Tuesday, October 6, 2020

 



Thinking of Selling?   The Time is Right...NOW!


If you have been considering selling your home, but put your plans on hold because of Covid-19,  you may want to consider moving forward now.  According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), July marked the second month of record pace existing home sales with sales in the Northeast rocketing 30.6%. 

 

 “Sales in Bergen County followed this trend, with the median price for homes trending upward, and length of time on the market trending down,” says Jeannine Severino, sales associate with ERA Justin Realty, “And we expect this trend to continue into the fall.”

 

Home Buyers Are Stronger Than Ever  

“We are witnessing a true V-shaped sales recovery as home buyers continue their strong return to the housing market…Home sellers are seeing their homes go under contract in record time, with nine new contracts for every 10 new listings,”  says Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, adding, “The housing market is well past the recovery phase and is now booming with higher home sales compared to the pre-pandemic days.  With the sizable shift in remote work, current homeowners are looking for larger homes and this will lead to a secondary level of demand even into 2021.”

 

But Inventory Remains Low

“Despite the fact that homebuyers are coming in strong, they are increasingly frustrated with a lack of available homes for purchase,” says Jeannine.  “The market needs more homes to satisfy this ongoing demand.”

 

It’s a Seller’s Market

The combination of the delayed spring selling season, low mortgage rates, and low market inventory, make now an ideal time to put your home on the market. “Also, the rise in buyer interest has translated into an increase in bidding wars resulting in the optimum time to get the most value for your home,” Jeannine notes.

 

Let a Professional Guide You

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is the right time to leverage your equity and move while buyers are eager to purchase.  Above all, it's important to work with a qualified agent like Jeannine or any of the real estate professionals at ERA Justin Realty.   To find out if selling your home is right for you, reach out to us at 201-939-7500.  



Monday, October 5, 2020



Your Fall Home Maintenance Check List

It’s sweater weather season, and while that means it’s time for apple picking, fire pits and all things pumpkin spice, it’s also the perfect time to tackle some key chores to get your home ready for the winter.  “A few small chores and repairs now mean less headaches later,” advises Sharon Robie, as sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.  “You don’t want to find out that your snow blower is broken after the first major snow storm!” 


  1. Clean and check gutters, downspouts, and basement window wells.  Remove leaves and debris that can cause flooding.

  2. Aerate and seed the lawn.  This is best done in the early fall, while there’s still time for new grass to grow before the first frost.  Remove all dead leaves before the first snow, and then -- just this once -- mow your grass short to keep mold from forming. 

  3. Clean your chimney. Check for cracks, repair flashing, consider installing a chimney cap. 

  4. Winterize outdoor water systems.  Blow out your sprinklers, turn off outdoor faucets and drain garden hoses.

  5. Patch cracks and repair damage to your foundation, concrete steps, driveways and walkways.  Do this before it snows to avoid accidents and make snow removal easier.

  6. Get ready for snow! Schedule maintenance or repairs for your snowblower now.  Remove rocks, extension cords and garden hoses around walkways and driveways that might catch in the blower.

  7. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Stock up on extra batteries now.   

  8. Make sure your heating system is in good working order.  Change the furnace filters. Clean the fireplace. Make sure your heating systems have sufficient fuel, gas, electricity, etc. 

  9. Switch the ceiling fan direction to clockwise. This pushes the cool air up, and the warm air down, which can help to lower heating costs.    

  10.  Check and repair air leaks.  If a lighted candle flickers when held close to your window or door frames, you have an air leak.  Fix by caulking, weather stripping, or applying sealant.


While most home maintenance can be done by the homeowner, some chores -- like chimney maintenance -- are best handled by a professional.   Contact Sharon or any of the other experienced agents at ERA Justin Realty at 201.939.7500 to refer you to the trusted home maintenance and repair vendors in your area.


Saturday, September 26, 2020

Making Your Offer Stand Out in a Bidding War

Making Your Offer Stand Out in a Bidding War


Make no mistake about it.  It’s a seller’s market.  In July 2020, there was an average of nearly three offers per house sold, and 68% of homes were on the market for less than a month, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).   The current combination of low inventory, coupled with all-time-low mortgage rates makes this an ideal time to sell your home.

 

But what if you’re  in the market to BUY a home?  “With multiple-offer scenarios becoming the norm rather than the exception, it’s important to make sure that you present an attractive and competitive offer to ensure you don’t miss out on your dream home,” advises Beth Albanese, sales associate with ERA Justin Realty.

 

So what makes some offers stand out from the rest?   Here’s four things you can do to make a solid and competitive offer.  

 

Get Pre-Approved

Buyers who are pre-approved are a step ahead of those who aren’t. “Having a pre-approval letter shows a seller you’re serious AND qualified,” says Beth.  “This can definitely tip the scales in your favor with a seller.”  But according to a recent survey* only 52% of active homebuyers obtained a pre-approval letter BEFORE they began searching for a home.  

 

Present Your Best Offer

This is not the time to negotiate or come in under asking price. A buyer considering multiple offers will most likely eliminate these.  Rather, work with a trusted real estate professional who can provide insight into what the bid trends and final sale prices are in your area, and will use that information along with your budget to help you determine your best offer.


Be Ready to Act Quickly

If you really love the home, chances are that someone else does too.  “With houses selling faster than ever, you may not have much time to think about it, and it’s important to make sure your bid is in on time to be considered,” Beth advises.

 

Work with a Trusted Real Estate Professional

ERA Justin Realty has been the Rutherford market leader in closed sales for 19 consecutive years.  If you’re looking to purchase a home this fall and need expert guidance to make the best offer possible, contact Beth or any of our knowledgeable REALTORS at 201-939-7500.