ERA Justin Realty Adds Success to Fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

MDA's Show of Strength Telethon event recently took place and invited guests included ERA Justin Realty's Michelle Korosy, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Broker Ron Darby, Al Rottini and Allyson Kubs. Friends, MDA families and kids were invited as were other area sponsors. 

ERA Justin Realty Adds Success to Fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association

America, sponsors, and a star-studded celebrity lineup put their strength behind the Muscular Dystrophy Association during a two-hour broadcast and regionally through the help of ERA Justin Realty and its agents and broker, Michelle Korosy, Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari, Ron Darby, Al Rottini, Allyson Kubs and others at the company. They were invited to attend the MDA Show of Strength dinner and awards presentation where they previewed an advance showing of the MDA Telethon. With help from the generous American public, MDA sponsors, and a diverse roster of musical performers and celebrity presenters, the 48th annual MDA Show of Strength Telethon raised $59,583,555 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The ERA Justin Realty fundraising team was honored to receive the MDA Show of Strength award plaque.

Ron Darby, the ERA real estate MDA chairman for New Jersey fundraising was asked to come to the podium and speak to those who attended. He said, "Viewers respond generously to MDA’s call for donations via the onscreen phone number, texting and online contributions. These dollars enable MDA clinic physicians and staff across America to assist families fighting muscle disease, to fund the best science that can lead to new treatments, and to rally communities to continue to fight back against muscle disease as they set their sights on muscle health.

For 48 years, funds raised by MDA telethons also have contributed to the organization’s worldwide research program. Today, through current clinical trials, there is growing excitement that new lifesaving treatments and discoveries are on the horizon for many of the disorders MDA is dedicated to defeating. MDA's first Labor Day weekend telethon was broadcast in 1966 on a single New York station and has become the most successful fundraising event in the history of television. The show, with Jerry Lewis as its iconic host through 2010, and with help from a legion of top celebrities and entertainers, has raised millions each year to provide life-enhancing support and services for the families MDA serves.

There is a difference in real estate companies and the ERA Justin Realty teams are involved in many charitable efforts within the communities each year. Giving back to the communities is what they do since being a Realtor of choice since 1950. Become a sponsor. Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community as they experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget at summer camp. 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 their office.

All of the ERA Justin Realtor salespersons 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 their real estate activity at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY REVIEWS BEST DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR IMPROVEMENT RETURNS

(Al) Rottini an ERA Justin Realtor salesperson explores the pros and cons of major home renovations if you are considering a sale. His background includes being a Bergen County contractor in residential and commercial improvements. A full time salesperson with the firm, he will be pleased to provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) of your house and will assist with your real estate questions and concerns.

 

ERA JUSTIN REALTY 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 and you may be better off selling your house without making additional costly improvements.

As examples, in a past Cost Versus Value Report, published by the National Association of Realtors, as reported by Inman News, that nationally, the average percent recouped at that time, on a bathroom remodel was 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and a mere 79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel. Market conditions change the percent recouped, so investigate thoroughly so you are comfortable with the investment you are considering making.

“Does this mean that remodeling is a waste of your time and money? Review carefully, especially if you go about a renovation in a haphazard fashion. It's important to do due diligence investigations before embarking on a remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a new home, and there are many variables to consider,” stated Albert Rottini both a  Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty Co. as well as an area contractor in residential improvements.

First, consider that the figures quoted  are past 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 only 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 improving 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 a 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 stable, 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. 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 change, 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.”

Rottini 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.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 - 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ a select few recipients from approximately 2,600 ERA offices nationally. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice since 1950." 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service sales 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology also information awaits you at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Fundraiser for MDA Camp for Kids and Telethon Presentation

ERA Justin Realty's top MDA fundraisers Al Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger are filmed for their Muscular Dystrophy check presentation for the MDA Labor Day Telethon. On hand sharing the experience is ERA's Gene Amsel.

ERA Justin Realty Fundraiser for MDA Camp for Kids and Telethon Presentation

The setting for the ERA Muscular Dystrophy 2012 fundraising effort recently culminated during the filming of ERA Justin Realty's check presentation of over $22,000. for the firm and the ERA Brokers of New Jersey.  The filmed presentation will be shown during the MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Ron Darby, Broker, and the ERA New Jersey Chairman for MDA introduced Al Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger for their efforts in leading the team fundraising efforts. The firm spearheads the efforts for MDA in this lifesaving mission.

Al stated, “ERA Justin Realty and our teams of Realtor professionals focused and succeeded in an outstanding fundraising effort in sending area MDA children to summer camp. It will culminate on the MDA Labor Day Telethon when Jennifer and I will present a combined check from our firm and the ERA Brokers of New Jersey of over $22,000, used toward the kids summer camp program.”

Jennifer continued,  “Our ERA Justin teammates spent time at summer camp with the kids.  At that moment, one can see how rewarding it is to participate.  We spent the day working with the kids in their arts and crafts projects, viewed their games and activities and enjoyed their varied conversations.  Each year MDA supports some 90 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.”

 For their efforts, ERA Justin Realty was recently inducted into the President’s Club of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Al concluded “We are requesting all of our area residents who would like to become involved in MDA fundraising for our continuing MDA Summer Camp  program to reach us at our offices.  We are anxious to have as much help as possible.   We, and all of our ERA Justin Realty full service Realtors 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.  More MDA information can be found on our website, www.ERAJustin.com.”

ERA JUSTIN REALTORS SEND YOUNGSTERS TO MDA 2012 SUMMER CAMP

ERA Justin guests and Realtors joined together at the MDA Summer Camp for Kids to take part in a day of activities, fun, barbecue and to support each and every kid attending. Ron Darby, Broker is ERA chairman for Muscular Dystrophy for New Jersey .  His efforts are supported by his team of Realtors as well as other ERA offices throughout the state.

                  

ERA JUSTIN REALTORS SEND YOUNGSTERS TO MDA 2012 SUMMER CAMP

Since 1955, MDA has built bridges and knocked down barriers for youngsters with neuromuscular diseases by providing an unforgettable week at MDA summer camp, largely in part this summer through the efforts of the ERA Justin Realty pictured teammates and guests Marina Cespedes, Gene Amsel, Cathy Vick, Cate Metzger, Ron Darby, Ilene Harpuder, Al Rottini, Carlie Metzger, Jen Darby Metzger, Sal Macri, and Glenn Elliot, all who were invited to attend the MDA VIP Summer Camp day to be with the kids.

Ron Darby said, “It has been the focus of our entire staff of agents to raise tax deductible donations to send as many children to MDA summer camp as possible and it comes together at the fun MDA Lock-up fundraiser event also held each year. We reach out to all of our friends, business firms and individuals we transact business with throughout the year to send in their donations large and small. They never let our kids down. Donations are pooled in an effort to send children to the tri-state MDA summer camp for a week.  In the past we had focused on raising funds for MDA research, but we now focus to give these children an immediate positive experience. Due to the untiring efforts of our staff and those who donated, the MDA youngsters are enjoying a week in the country in a structured environment to fit their abilities.

ERA Justin Realty raised over $7,000.00 for this single event. Our ERA Justin Realty team of Realtors never stop until our summer goal for our MDA youngsters is met. We are now continuing to exceed our goal."

 

Each year MDA supports nearly 90 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.

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.  The firm is now continuing their MDA Summer Camp fundraising activities, preparing for next year.  If you have questions about this great program for the kids, call us at (201) 939-7500.

To reach the ERA Justin Realty team with questions about being part of the MDA team or with real estate questions, they can be reached at their Rutherford office at 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, NJ. 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

To Remodel or Not to Remodel in Today's 2012 Real Estate Markets - Suggestions by ERA Justin's Albert "Al" Rottini

ERA  Justin Realtor professional Albert "Al" Rottini offers suggestions on renovations vs. buying in the current real estate market. Al services buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties.

 To Remodel or Not to Remodel in Today's 2012 Real Estate Markets

Suggestions by ERA Justin's Albert "Al" Rottini

Sometimes the house that was once your dream home is challenged by the changing realities in your life as well as modifying real estate values. Then it’s time to decide whether to change the house you're in, or just change houses.

Your family may not be the same one that originally moved in – kids arrive, or people start to work more at home, and the house suddenly seems smaller or unsuited to new needs. Or maybe your new-home search has just been taking too long, and you've decided to try and make your current one “new” instead. These choices should be given serious considerations in the current economy. Current real estate values may strongly dictate a new purchase rather than extensive renovations.

This is a major undertaking that calls for serious consideration before moving forward. Are you so happy with your current neighborhood that you'd like to do as much as possible to avoid moving, or are you ready for a change of area? Can your family take the strain, and your business the disruption, of a project that will demand a significant shift of routine and even displacement of living arrangements?

There are practical considerations to add to these emotional and financial ones. You'll want to find out if the changes you have in mind are compatible with local planning, zoning and building rules. And you'll want to consult with designers and architects as to the feasibility – and approximate cost – of those changes. A related and crucial consideration is the future value of your house for resale if you remodel but still later wish to move. This is important because increasing your home’s resale value through renovation is not necessarily a given that you will retrieve those expenses at time of the sale.

According to ERA Justin Realtor professional, Albert "Al" Rottini, having a vast business background of thirty years in residential construction, "The reason is not just that remodeling can compromise a home’s aesthetics and efficiency – though this is a significant concern; rather than buying another home to suit new needs, remaking one forces you to work around existing systems (such as plumbing) and can lead to eccentric and unwieldy spaces. The consequences of the renovation working “too well” could be equally disadvantageous to you: a house that is much bigger than others near it, or otherwise uncommon in its neighborhood, can disrupt its location and be priced beyond what anyone looking in that area is willing to pay.

To make sure all of your domestic dreams are good ones, do some planning and consider consulting an ERA Justin Realtor professional who can make suggestions from architect and contractor referrals to suggestions on what renovations, if any, might be right for your market. We provide for potential sellers, at no cost or obligation, a comprehensive comparative market analysis (CMA) which will substantiate facts and figures you need to make good business decisions."

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003 through 2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence' Award, selected from approximately 30,000 ERA real estate agents globally. Additionally their 'Real Estate Results in Writing' written 700 buyer and seller testimonials suggest reasons why ERA Justin Realty has been a buying and selling Realtor of choice for thousands.

For more information consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realtor professionals 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 website at www.ERAJustin.com and http://www.erajustinrealty.com/.

 

ERA JUSTIN REALTY TEAM ATTENDS ERA TOP GUN ACADEMY

ERA Justin Realtor professionals committed their time and energy to attend the intense eight week ERA Top Gun training academy. Pictured is Al Rottini, Ligia Gerges, Jennifer Darby Broker, Adrian Tridel, Sal Macri, Ron Darby Broker, Karen Kelly, Ilene Harpuder and Cathy Vick. June Incorvaia, not pictured.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY TEAM ATTENDS ERA TOP GUN ACADEMY

Intense Eight Week Training To Be ERA Justin's Best-Of-The-Best

Rutherford:  Eight dedicated ERA Justin Realtor professionals had accepted a major challenge by enrolling in the ERA Top-Gun Training Academy.  Cathy Vick, Ilene Harpuder, Adrian Tridel, Al Rottini, Ligia Gerges, Sal Macri, Karen Kelly and June Incorvaia  have the acquired requirements to attend the ERA Top Gun Training Academy, an advanced eight-week training course for fine-tuning their already successful skills for servicing their buyers and sellers.

Each ERA Top Gun session introduces new techniques to help the ERA Justin Realty sales team and other participants be more productive in their real estate markets.  Understanding sellers and buyers needs and learning ways to provide exceptional service is the focus of the course.  During the eight weeks, ERA sales associates from all areas of New Jersey are attending the Academy, but only the best-of-the-best will achieve top team status, and as past statistics show, ERA Justin Realty sales associates have historically achieved top honors.

Ron Darby, ERA Broker and Co-owner said, “We are very fortunate to be able to be part of the academy this year, as ERA Top Gun is taught every four years in New Jersey with this training taught by the national director of training. It's a rare opportunity for us. Those attending experience a higher level of productivity due to increasing skill development in areas needed to be an effective real estate professional in today’s ever-changing real estate market.  The Top Gun Academy is just one of the ways that ERA Justin Realty offers its Realtor professionals continuing real estate education.  Through continued emphasis on professionalism, we ensure that we have the tools and training required to effectively serve the real estate needs of our clients and customers. We strive to exceed buyer and seller expectations each day."

ERA Justin Realty, a 62 year old real estate market leader is celebrating its 28^th anniversary with ERA real estate, and have been recognized as a Top-100 ERA real estate firm from all ERA firms worldwide.  They have also been honored with the 2003-2011 prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award, one of seven ERA real estate firms to receive it from the entire worldwide ERA network.  Full details of their accomplishments can be read at their 1000’s of homes website at www.ERAJustin.com.

They maintain two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By phone, the Top Gun graduates can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 and (201) 438-SOLD.