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

What Not To Do While Waiting To Close On Your Home

What Not To Do While Waiting To Close On Your Home

When going through the home buying process, there are a lot of mishaps that can delay or even completely halt the process all together. Sometimes uninformed buyers inadvertently make purchases or changes that creditors or lenders see as warning signs and can or will delay the buying or closing date of a home. Catherine Nimmo, ERA Justin Realty Sales Associate explains, “Buying a new home hinges on several key things falling into place: finding the right property, negotiating a price you can afford and securing the financing to pay for it. Many homebuyers successfully navigate all three criteria only to make some critical missteps prior to closing the deal that can jeopardize the deal.” Here are a few tips on what not to do while waiting to close on the home you are buying. 

Don’t Apply for a Credit Card

For most borrowers, using their existing credit card for minor expenses will not affect them, but opening a new one can absolutely delay closing. Restrain from saving that extra 10-15% off at a department store applying for their card. 

Don’t Make Any Major New Purchases on Credit

Now is not the time to go out and purchase a new car or, as excited as you are about moving into your new home and decorating, do not purchase major items, such as appliances. Wait until the deal closes before finding that new fridge. 

Don’t Change Jobs 

Some buyers change jobs without letting their lender know because they think that if it’s a better salary, it won’t matter. Wrong. Most lenders require 30 full days of paystubs, so changing jobs will delay closing until the 30-day paperwork is obtained. And in some cases, it can even kill the deal altogether. 

Don’t Fall Behind On Any Payments 

Nothing is more critical to your loan than your FICO score. It affects your rate, the loan program, and the cost of any mortgage insurance. Make sure you continue paying any credit card bills regularly and stay current on car or other loans. 

Don’t Move Money Without A Paper Trail

When a lender pre-approves you, the approval is based on the current state of your finances. You want to maintain that state at all costs. Sometimes buyers make the mistake of shifting their money around to better position themselves, but this is a mistake. If a lender sees you moving money around various accounts, you will need to give them a detailed accounting of why you moved it. 

Determining whether you’re ready to buy your first home can be intimidating. Very few buyers, especially first-time buyers, are housing market experts or have read up on mortgage interest rates until it’s time to take the plunge. No matter how uncertain you may feel at any point on your journey, working with trusted professionals, such as Catherine Nimmo can help you make the right decisions. To connect with Catherine, or any of our experienced Real Estate Agents, call 201.939.7500.

Selling A Cluttered House

 

Selling A Cluttered House

When you own a home, it is easy to accumulate a lot of items over time. With enough closets, spare bedrooms and a garage or shed, you can easily fill your home to bursting. When trying to sell that home, clutter makes your home seem smaller, ultimately eating equity and killing deals.

According to ERA Justin Sales Associate, Catherine Nimmo, “Getting rid of clutter is the first thing you need to do when you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, and, unless you move frequently, there are very few people who don’t accumulate more than they should”. Unfortunately, all of these items can really get in the way when you decide to sell your house. 

Clutter makes it hard to think. Buyers want and need to see the full potential of your house to picture themselves in it, but that can be difficult to do when it is covered up in your things. You have to make room for a potential buyer to imagine their lives in what might soon be their home. Make separate piles of items to save, donate, and throw away. Less is more! 

You can sell your items online, hold a garage sale, or donate. For the things you're keeping, store your personal items in the attic or basement or consider renting a storage space and temporarily clearing everything out to make the house neutral. 

 

By getting rid of extra seating, paring down the clothes in your closets and throwing out everything in the pantry that’s past its best-before date, you create the illusion of more space. After all, near-empty rooms always look bigger than rooms filled with furniture. Hiring a professional organizer to help with the process is very effective if a seller needs assistance.

 

Nimmo says, “Once you have removed all the clutter, you’ll want to do a deep-clean of your home”. If you do not plan on hiring a professional, go room by room cleaning- dusting, polishing, wiping, etc. If you have carpets, you will want to get them professionally cleaned. Hiring a stager can also help get the home show-ready once you have decluttered. A good real estate agent will have a portfolio of vendors to help you with all aspects of getting your home sales-ready.

 

The last step in the process is to take good professional photos. Most potential buyers these days are going to look at your house and its listing online. Good photos make all the difference, and will draw buyers. The cleaner it is, the less clutter it has, and the better the furniture is staged, the more amazing your photos will look. Spending time at this point of the process makes a big impact later on.

 

Catherine Nimmo and all of the ERA Justin Realty Sales Associates are available to help get your home ready to sell. Call (201) 939-7500 for all of your real estate needs. ERA Justin Realty is conveniently located at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. Both in Rutherford.

VALUE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT DOLLARS

VALUE FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT DOLLARS

Since 1950, ERA Justin Realty, a real estate leader throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties generates listings and sales of homes each day, totaling thousands of transactions. Some are pristine and some may call for improvements.  Catherine Nimmo a full-time sales producer with the firm shares her knowledge with these tips. “When you decide to undertake a major renovation or some minor home improvements, you may want to consider those improvements which could attract buyers and possibly increase your price if and when you sell your home. Should you put in a new kitchen or bathroom? Add a pool or new landscaping? Which improvements matter most and give the biggest return?

It is estimated that the average American family stays in a home for approximately seven years. Considering that your home is probably your most expensive asset, it makes sense to consult a home professional to identify those improvements that will appeal to more buyers and help it sell faster, and possibly for a higher price. Before taking on major home improvements, it is best to first take care of minor maintenance needs, such as fixing leaky faucets, grouting around tubs, cleaning gutters and so on. Buyers are more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is maintained, it is more likely that what they cannot see has also probably been maintained.”

Catherine continued, “Once basic maintenance needs are cared for, a real estate professional can be helpful in recommending home improvements that will increase the value of your home. For example, if you have extra funds to spend on one project in your home, and you are choosing between renovating your kitchen or adding a new in-ground pool, which do you think would increase the value of your home more?  Installing a new kitchen will generate a greater return when selling than a pool. Not all buyers want a pool, however, they all want an updated kitchen. 

Minor upgrades can also enhance the value of your property, according to the survey. Cleaning and decluttering go a long way to improving the sale of your home, and are recommended. Realtor agents also recommend adding light and brightness to a home with new lighting fixtures. Landscape improvements, fresh interior paint in a neutral color and removing old carpeting to expose wood floors or to replace with new carpet are also  recommended.  Other home improvements that will attract buyers include an additional bathroom or a finished basement.”

“For a survey of what improvements you are considering as well as a comparative market price opinion as to your home’s current 2018 value, one of our ERA Justin Realty Realtor agents will be glad to give you a comprehensive overview and written report, at no obligation. 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor 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.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology and information awaits you at their website, www.ERAJustin.com.

ERA Justin Realty's 2018 Five Star Home Professionals

Catherine Nimmo, Michelle Korosy, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, Jennifer Sullivan

ERA Justin Realty's 2018 Five Star Home Professionals

Focus for buyers and sellers are the force that motivates the staff of active Realtor salespersons at ERA Justin Realty. In fact, the firm tracks continuing activity of 100 real estate firms who service the vast reaches of area communities and ERA Justin Realty has again proven itself to be an area real estate market leader. Six outstanding Realtor agents have been cited as 2018 Five Star Home Professionals in New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

Five Star Professional partnered with New Jersey Monthly Magazine to identify real estate professionals in the New Jersey area who deliver outstanding service and client satisfaction. The Five Star Professional research team contacted thousands of recent home buyers, as well as other consumers. Phone, mail and on-line respondents rated their service professional on criteria such as overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend the professional to a friend.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner proudly offered, "An incredible honor to have our salespersons awarded in New Jersey Monthly Magazine. These honors are incredible. We are so very proud of Catherine Nimmo, Michelle Korosy, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis and Jennifer Sullivan for their efforts, service to their buyers and sellers and the communities they serve throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties."

Continuing, Darby said, "These fine professionals currently awarded have also earned with their teammates the elite Circle of Light for Community Service Award which was presented at the ERA global business conference in Los Angeles, California. For our sellers and buyers, ERA Justin Realty has compiled our What People Are Saying presentation of 900 testimonials and reviews regarding our services."

For upcoming Spring 2018 our winners will be pleased to provide a current market price analysis of your home at no cost or obligation. The report features current homes on the market, homes that have sold and closed, and details as to the current value of your home. It will also give specifics as to what a seller may do to make it more marketable. Invite them in, it will be well rewarding for your sales process.

They and their entire team can be reached at either of their Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenueand their Hoboken Meet & Greet location at 221 River Street, Hoboken. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. View 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Report: Gifting The Family Home

ERA Justin Realty Report:  Gifting The Family Home

“If you are getting ready to move out of your longtime home and into more sunshine, you can actually gift your home to a child or friend but that gift will come with a few strings attached. In the United States, estate taxes, home values, job transfers, and the desire for a separate space and different environment have changed the use of the traditional family home. The bottom line is that the home has evolved from basic shelter to the average person's most valuable possession. It needs to be carefully protected, guarded, and even nursed along--much like the responsibilities that took place within the home itself. And the financial value is usually accompanied by priceless memories and experiences, making the family home beyond doubt the ultimate asset.”  This is information brought forth by author Tom Kelly in his book "Real Estate for Boomers and Beyond,” reported ERA Justin Realtor agent Catherine Nimmo. The firm has consistently been awarded for their commitment to excellence from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents.

Catherine stated, “First and foremost, your child or friend's basis in the house will be what you paid for the property, plus major improvements. Because this cost you paid years ago may be lower than today's home value, there's a chance tax will be owed on a subsequent sale. Carefully note that tax laws change and everyone should review their specific situation with their tax advisor for the most current laws and tax information.”

Kelly’s book continued, “The adjusted basis is the original cost plus capital improvements. Capital improvements are the cost of improvements having a useful life for a period of time. Examples include the new roof, dock, deck, remodeled bathroom, kitchen and finished basement. Generally, an expense is a capital improvement if it adds value to the property or extends its useful life. If these criteria are not met and the expenditure is considered necessary to maintain current usefulness, it is a maintenance cost.

Catherine concluded, “Tax regulations do change, so take the time to check with your tax attorney or your accountant before making any moves. Be certain that goals are shared and discussed. You'll find it saves time, money and anxiety.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly continues to receive the ERA Commitment to Excellence Award, from approximately 30,000 ERA real estate brokers and agents.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

All of the ERA Justin Realty listing and 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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites www.ERAJustin.com,  www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.SellBergenCounty.com

CATHERINE NIMMO SELECTS ERA JUSTIN REALTY AS HER OFFICE OF CHOICE

                                     

CATHERINE NIMMO SELECTS ERA JUSTIN REALTY AS HER OFFICE OF CHOICE

Joining ERA Justin Realty from a Bachelor of Science degree at Boston University in advertising, then servicing national corporate accounts, Catherine offered, “Advertising and marketing will be all encompassing in my real estate position with ERA Justin Realty bringing success to my buyers and sellers.”

“With this knowledge of Catherine's background she is a natural fit at ERA Justin Realty,” said ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner, Ron Darby. He continued, “She has resided in Rutherford for nearly 14 years and is married to her husband Gary. They have a daughter McKenzie and son Gavin. Her early years included traveling the world with her parents and also spent time in Asia, Europe and Australia, including a college term abroad in Spain. While attending college she volunteered in Boston for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and helped build homes in Florida due to the hurricane devastation. Additionally, Catherine has been managing a luxury Manhattan property for the past seven years. Responsibilities include overseeing all facets of rental management. With Catherine’s energetic personality, her schedule will be quickly filled with buyer and seller appointments, contract negotiations and building relationships for future listings with area residents. She is a people-person, approachable and dedicated. You will benefit from her passionate loyalty."

Catherine stated, “My business background and determination to exceed buyer and seller needs will prove successful at the completion of each real estate transaction. Using my past training and focusing my attention to buyers and sellers in our surrounding communities will bring successes with total satisfaction. This is my ongoing goal.”

Darby concluded, “We are pleased to have Catherine with us. Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award selected from ERA real estate firms across the nation. The recipient of the most coveted award that can be achieved in business is the J.D. Power & Associate award. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Real Estate was the recipient of Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms Award. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty and Catherine should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

All of the ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor 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 andwww.ERAJustinRealty.com.