ERA JUSTIN OFFERS 2019 SUMMER PRICING ADVICE

ERA  JUSTIN OFFERS 2019  SUMMER  PRICING  ADVICE

As spring draws to a close ERA Justin Realty is preparing for the summer 2019 real estate season. This is the time when families focus on real estate purchases and sales, but the first question asked is, “How should I price my house?”

Ask any experienced real estate sales professional that question, and the answer you will most likely hear is, realistically. But who is the best judge of a home's true value - the homeowner, a real estate sales professional, or a bank? 

"If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future, and want to know how much it could sell for, then you may contact a real estate sales professional at our firm and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value,” recommends Jennifer Darby, Broker-Owner with ERA Justin Realty.

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 set slightly higher than the fair market value because it is assumed that some negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with a buyer. To get an estimate of the fair market value, a homeowner can call the ERA Justin Realty sales team and ask for a Comparative Market Analysis, a service which is provided free of charge and without obligation.

"In conducting a CMA, our ERA Justin Realtor agents have access to a wide array of information, such as databases containing recent listing and selling prices of similar homes in the neighborhood 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. Within the past years, real estate values have escalated.  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," added Jennifer.

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.

Ron Darby ERA Justin Broker-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.”

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 websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Management Achieves Brand Management Levels

ERA Justin Realty's Michelle Korosy, Jennifer Darby and Nona Orlando at ERA Brand Management attended by invitees from ERA offices throughout the nation, pictured doing a seminar segment to those attending.

 

                  ERA Justin Realty Management Achieves Brand Management Levels

 

Bergen County: ERA Justin Realty broker owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby honored Michelle Korosy-Office Coordinator and Nona Orlando-Operations Manager for being named Brand Champions by global residential real estate leader ERA Franchise Systems at extensive training held at ERA’s corporate office in Madison, NJ. 

 

During three days of  training, attendees from around the nation became certified to implement ERA’s cutting edge products and services. The Brand Champion training educates ERA staff to better assist agents as well as buyers and sellers in areas such as developing a marketing plan, public relations, social media resources and training programs.  Brand Champions then have the ability to come back and share what they have learned and help implement these programs with agents throughout the office. 

ERA’s Brand Champion course is also designed to help support the entire staff. Orlando and Korosy said they enrolled in the training course to help others increase their productivity and better serve their clients. "This was a great opportunity for me to help my colleagues as the real estate markets and requirements change quickly," said Orlando. Korosy added, “I'm excited to share everything we learned with our agents and staff as we continue to add new products and services to remain on the cutting-edge of industry requirements.” 

Metzger added, "Brand Champions is one of several exceptional opportunities that we take part in for the benefit of our buyers and sellers through service at our firm. Additionally, ERA Justin Realty Co. was honored with ERA Circle of Light for Community Leadership for consistent commitment to both community service and business at a business conference held in Los Angeles."

  

“Serving their customers and communities through leadership and commitment is at the core of ERA Justin Realty's operating principles,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems. "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 (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 Celebrates 30 Years with ERA and Introduces New Visions

Welcome to ERA Justin Realty's teammates and the new ERA branding as the firm recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with ERA. Since opening its doors in 1950 the firm has grown each day. Pictured L to R standing: Michelle Korosy, Nona Orlando, June Incorvaia, Peg McLaughlin, Mona Karla, Ilene Harpuder, Grace Tirrito, Julia Dagistanli, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Carol D. Calamari, Adrian Tridel. Seated: Karen Kelly, Cathy Vick, Fara Espandi and Carmen Giorgianni. Not pictured: Kristen Davis, Glenn Elliot, Ron Darby, Cynthia Plessel, Mary Iannaccone, John Boguszewski, Justin Fung, Rosemarie Zembryski, Julian Muscio, Soila Columbe, Allyson Kubs, Andrea Burton, Wayne Kubs, Gloria Thomson and Terry Mertens.

 

ERA Justin Realty Celebrates 30 Years with ERA and Introduces New Visions

 

Reflecting, Ron Darby, Broker-Owner, never thought he would be completing his 47th year in the real estate industry, now at the helm of  ERA Justin Realty and 30 years with ERA, a leading global real estate brand.

 

Those at the firm gathered for a celebration dinner with community lawyers, mortgage brokers and bankers, and those business professionals who have been dedicated to the firm's success since their beginnings in 1950 and always being there for them as they have grown to top 100 ERA success status.

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker-Owner said, "Time flies when you do what you always enjoy, with focus on our buyers, sellers and our Realtor salespersons, working each day to assist for their success. I do remember the days I studied for my salesperson and then my broker licensing. Seems like yesterday, though it's now thousands of transactions later. We've certainly grown and it's because of the dedication of our wonderful teammates and business professionals who focus with us."

 

“ERA Justin Realty is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our business platform. Everything we do is designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs and resources that help deliver true value and make it easier for us to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter business community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together. The updated ERA identity, logo and brand standards have been introduced and are designed to reflect who we are today while positioning our ERA brand for the future. Our fresh new look is extending to everything from yard signs to marketing and advertising materials but more importantly to the new products and services to bring greater success for our buyers and sellers. Welcome to the new ERA," added Darby.

Metzger concluded, "All of our firm’s Realtor agents can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.     Also view 1000’s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

ERA Justin Realty was recently inducted to the Muscular Dystrophy Association President's Club because of their sixteen year participation for their fundraising efforts. Pictured is ERA Justin Realtor salespersons Carol D. Calamari, Ron Darby Broker Owner, MDA Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali, Glenn Elliot and Fara Espandi. Darby is also the ERA MDA chairman for New Jersey. Other ERA Justin teammates also attended. 

ERA Justin Realty Receives Muscular Dystrophy President’s Club Honors

A notification to ERA Justin Realty made a day exciting when Broker Ron Darby received an invitation to the ERA Muscular Dystrophy Association induction to the MDA President's club.

For their efforts as Northern New Jersey’s top fundraising ERA real estate office, Darby informed his teammates that the firm was inducted into the MDA President’s Club, honors shared only by organizations with focus to being there for MDA and to be joined by MDA Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali who has appeared on the MDA Labor Day Telethons with Jerry Lewis and other celebrities.

Darby, continuing for sixteen years, is the ERA New Jersey Chairman for MDA.  The firm will spearhead its efforts for MDA in this lifesaving mission again for 2015.

He said, "As a sponsor, you will be invited to visit the local MDA camp during the special sponsor VIP Day. You’ll see the joy that your participation in this program creates. Your involvement will also be saluted on the local broadcast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon."

Glenn Elliot, a Realtor salesperson offered, "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 structured programs are conducted in settings that build 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."

Carol Calamari, ERA Justin Realty Realtor salesperson added, “Become a sponsor with us! Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community experience a week of fun and friendship at MDA Summer Camp 2015."

Fara Espandi joined in, "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 us at (201) 939-7500.”

ERA REAL ESTATE NAMES ERA JUSTIN REALTY WINNER OF THE 2013 CIRCLE OF LIGHT FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

ERA Justin Realty brokers co-owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Ron Darby and ERA President Charlie Young awarded the prestigious ERA Circle of Light Award at the recent ERA International Business Conference in Los Angeles, California. ERA Justin Realty was awarded as the only real estate firm from approximately 31,000 brokers and agents.

ERA REAL ESTATE NAMES ERA JUSTIN REALTY

WINNER OF THE 2013 CIRCLE OF LIGHT

FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

ERA Real Estate, a leading global real estate Franchisor has named ERA Justin Realty Co. of Rutherford, N.J., winner of the 2013 Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award in honor of the company’s consistent commitment to both community service and business.  

Ronald Darby, Carol Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker-owners of ERA Justin Realty Co. accepted the award on behalf of their company during the ERA Real Estate International Business Conference in Los Angeles, California.

The Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award recognizes ERA Justin Realty Co. for extraordinary commitment to community. This affiliate gives time, raises funds and provides resources to worthy causes, thereby creating a culture of civic service within their company and establishing themselves as a philanthropic leader in the areas they serve.

ERA Justin Realty Co. has a legacy of contributing to its local community, as well as national charitable organizations. The firm continues to uphold its annual commitment to the Muscular Dystrophy Association by contributing time and money to fund programs such as the MDA Summer Camp. Additionally, the company recently launched The ERA Starfish Project, an effort to make a difference in the communities they serve by dedicating their time to a wide range of charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Cancer Society, local girls softball teams, ERA Organic Fresh, supporting local farmers and growers, bringing vegetables and fruits to the communities, Rutherford Newcomers Club, Returning Veterans clothing drives and the local food pantries – to name a few. Their ERA Starfish Project, so aptly named, helps vast groups as well as one person at a time. They are also celebrating their 30th anniversary with ERA Franchise Systems.

“Every member of the ERA Justin Realty team embodies the commitment to community that is part of our brand’s DNA,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Under Ron, Carol and Jen’s leadership, the firm not only advances the profession of real estate through their collaborative culture; they also enhance the lives of the people they serve through their philanthropic efforts.  I have always admired the genuine kindness exhibited by the members of ERA Justin Realty and I am honored to recognize the company as the 2013 Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award.”

ERA Justin Realty Co's. own organic fruits and veggies co-op program with the goal of encouraging healthier lifestyles in the areas in which they serve while also supporting local farmers is on track for growing seasons 2014. In April and May 2014, the company will lead the charge in a local Muscular Dystrophy Color 5k Run and American Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraisers. In the spirit of ERA’s collaborative culture, they have rallied runners and walkers from their firm, other ERA companies and the ERA corporate office.

ERA Justin Realty is an innovative market leading working closely with ERA Franchise Systems in the residential real estate industry with more than 40 years of experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. The ERA network includes approximately 31,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,300 offices throughout the United States and 33 countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Real Estate is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp., a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services.

Ron Darby, Broker added, "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 continuously receive the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award.’ 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 (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.

Fara Espandi of ERA Justin Realty Ranks High in ERA Real Estate National Production

Fara Espandi, ERA Justin Realtor salesperson is a full-time career professional with the firm, being one of their top producers for many years. She is a 2013 Bronze NJAR Circle of Excellence Award winner as well as being an ERA Leadership Circle achiever for many years. ERA Corporate recently shared her national and statewide ranking as one of their successful Realtor professionals.

 

Fara Espandi of ERA Justin Realty Ranks High

in ERA Real Estate National Production

 

Bergen County: Fara Espandi, a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty, a market leader throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties is always focused on her sales production with statistics recently released by global ERA.

 

Home buyers and sellers can be assured that Fara, also a Certified Residential Specialist designated by the National Association of Realtors, subscribes to the strict Realtor code of ethics, has access to the latest technology and is a specialist in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home. Her production included more than 28 sale and purchase transactions in 2013 earning her a Bronze NJAR Circle of Excellence Award.

 

ERA's rankings reveal that Espandi generated $4,697,900.00 in annual volume and ranked 21st out of 638 ERA sales agents in New Jersey, while being awarded 729th out of 12,555 ERA sales agents nationally.

 

Broker-owners of ERA Justin Realty, Ron Darby, Carol Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger along with their entire team of Realtor professionals congratulated Espandi during a recent meeting of their Leadership Circle recipients recognizing top production status during the past year, recovering from the past national economic turndown.

 

Espandi said, “ERA Justin Realty continues to receive the prestigious global ERA Commitment to Excellence Award,receiving it from 2003 and a finalist for the Circle of Light for Community Service Award. We are excited that we will be honored at the upcoming ERA International Business Conference to be held Los Angles.

 All of our ERA Justin Realtor professional sales agents can be reached at either of our 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 our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty 2013 Circle of Light Community Leadership Award Finalist

ERA Justin Realty teammates put finishing touches toward their long-term efforts in creating the ERA Starfish Project.  Pictured left to right: Fara Espandi, Carol D. Calamari Jennifer Darby Metzger, Cathy Vick, Michelle Korosy and Peggy McLaughlin all recognized with other ERA Justin Realty teammates by ERA Corporate as a finalist for the 2013 Circle of Light Community Leadership Award to be presented at the ERA International Business Conference, Los Angeles, California in March.

ERA Justin Realty 2013 Circle of Light Community Leadership Award Finalist

Bergen County, New Jersey:  ERA Real Estate, a leading global real estate corporate brand, has named ERA Justin Realty Co. of  Rutherford, N.J., a 2013 Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award Finalist for consistent commitment to both community service and business. 

Led by Brokers-Owners Ronald Darby, Carol Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger and their team, ERA Justin Realty Co. recently launched The ERA Starfish Project, an effort to make a difference in the communities they serve by dedicating their time to a wide range of charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Cancer Society, local girls softball teams, ERA Organic Fresh, supporting local farmers and growers, bringing vegetables and fruits to the communities,  Rutherford Newcomers Club, Returning Veterans clothing drives and the local food pantries  – to name a few. 

“Serving our customers and our communities through leadership and commitment is at the core of ERA Real Estate’s operating principles,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “The Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award recognizes companies that embrace this philosophy through community service and charitable works that greatly impact the areas where they work and live. Ron, Carol, Jen and their team have long been committed to serving their local communities, as well as business excellence, and we are proud to have them as part of our network. They are also celebrating their 30th anniversary with our ERA family. Their ERA Starfish Project, so aptly named, helps vast groups as well as one person at a time.

The Circle of Light for Community Leadership Award recognizes companies who do extraordinary things for communities and people in need. These affiliates give time, raise funds and provide resources to worthy causes, thereby creating a culture of civic service within their companies and establishing themselves as a leader within their community.

"Ron Darby, Broker added, "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 continuously received the prestigious ERA world-wide ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ selected as a recipient 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 (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’s Jennifer Darby Metzger cited by RealSource Association as 2013 Realtor of the year

Jennifer Darby Metzger received the 2013 RealSource Association of Realtors, Realtor of the Year Award presented at the Triple Play Business Convention. Pictured, Cathy Vick, Rosemary Zembryski, Jennifer Darby Metzger, Fara Espandi, Carol Darby and Ron Darby

ERA Justin Realty’s Jennifer Darby Metzger cited by

RealSource Association as 2013 Realtor of the year

Atlantic City, New Jersey: The highlight of the recent Triple Play Business Convention for Jennifer Darby Metzger was being awarded the RealSource Association of Realtors 2013 Realtor of the year, singly selected from the association’s 3,500 membership. On hand for the esteemed award was Cathy Vick, Rosemary Zembryski, Fara Espandi, Carol Darby and Ron Darby.

The RealSource Association of Realtors committee selected Jennifer Darby Metzger for her achievements and business accomplishments. For the last 21 years Jennifer has focused on Realtor activities and responsibilities.

In addition to this award, she had earlier in her career been selected and featured as a national Thirty Under Thirty recipient in a major article in Realtor magazine.

Jennifer can be reached at either of her 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 the company websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Offers Online Visual Property Tours

Technology demands by the real estate markets have brought exceptional opportunities for ERA Justin Realty sellers and buyers, explains Realtor salesperson Cathy Vick. A past honoree as RealSource Realtor of the year with a long term relationship with her firm, she shares visual property tour benefits.

ERA Justin Realty Offers Online Visual Property Tours

Cathy Vick known throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties for her expertise in real estate sales reviewed additional marketing of their listings offered by ERA Justin Realty including technology which enables consumers to view their property listings through two online visual tour services, making home buying and selling easier.

Considered to be a technology leader in the real estate industry and a "Top 100" ERA real estate firm nationwide, ERA Justin Realty features visual tours in today's fast-paced and technologically advanced real estate market. The two versions of tours offer home sellers the advantages of a 24-hour a day, seven-day a week open house, at the home buyers convenience. One, added to all listings on the multiple listing services utilized, on Realtor.com and on many regional and national listing search websites and one created by ERA corporate which is available to all ERA real estate offices worldwide, bringing additional attention to each ERA Justin Realty listing.

Vick said, “Our visual tours include views of the interiors and exteriors of ERA Justin listed properties. Online visitors can tour properties at any hour, from their home, office, or from anywhere in the world. The expectations of today's real estate home buyers and sellers are high, and as millions of viewers use the Internet to look for a home, it is critical to have the best tools to promote our listings online. Our visual tours help potential buyers view a property's attributes so much better than just a text description or a single photo of a house; for example, consumers can view both interior and exterior views. ERA Justin Realty offers this additional service to each of our sellers on every listing that we market for sale. Hundreds of area sellers select ERA Justin Realty as their Realtor of choice each year. We work to exceed their expectations and that makes us truly proud.”

Continuing, she said, “Our online visual tours also increase a listing's exposure to potential buyers, which our home sellers find very attractive. More exposure means more pre-approved buyers to potentially see each listing. More exposure potentially brings more buying contracts to be considered, giving each seller a better opportunity to sell their house at a higher price. Buyers who view visual tours are potentially strong, interested prospects. There is no cost to our sellers for this added value service.”

Buyers and sellers interested in learning more about ERA Justin Realty can reach any of the firm's sales professionals who will be pleased to provide extensive details.

Vick added, “Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003-2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, a premier ERA real estate firm from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it. ERA Real Estate was a recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First 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.”

She then concluded, “All of our ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue. By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000s of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com or www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

ERA Justin Realty heading toward 2014 with First Homebuyer Tips

Julia Dagistanli, Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty offers first homebuyer tips. Having received many positive reviews and production awards, New Jersey Monthly Magazine honored her with highest in overall satisfaction in 2011 and 2013.

ERA Justin Realty heading toward 2014 with First Homebuyer Tips

ERA Justin Realty, a leading real estate firm and a Realtor of choice since 1950 serves the many communities of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties and has sold thousands of homes to repeat and first time homebuyers.  Seeing shifts in the industry from seller’s markets to buyer’s markets as well as varied shifts in mortgage interest rates, historically their buyers have enjoyed both the benefits of home ownership as well as value appreciation over the years. 

ERA Justin Realtor salesperson, Julia Dagistanli stated, “It is now year end and if you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with anticipation and excitement. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that interest many potential first-time homeowners.

Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?  It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.  One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?  Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen now.  It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.

Question #2: Where should I begin the search?  That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires.  Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?  What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you?  Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the ERA Justin Realty winning search websites can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer.

Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me? Homes are affordable for qualified buyers. Interest rates are the lowest than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.

Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of one of our ERA Justin Realtor salesperson who can give you the details on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.

Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to one of our ERA Justin Realty real estate professionals who serves the community you’d like to call home. Our teammates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our websites www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com bring up-to-date listings directly to you, and we can suggest many mortgage lenders who offer loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.

The path to finding your first home is exciting. Once you have the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!"

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker Co-owner concluded, “ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 - 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, selected from 30,000 ERA brokers and agents nationwide. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was also a past recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms’ and ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Sellers.’ through J.D. Powers.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice."

The ERA Justin Realty full service 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.

ERA Justin Realty Award Achievers Exceed Expectations

ERA Justin Realtor salespersons and 2013 award achievers include Ilene Harpuder, Cathy Vick, Michelle Korosy, Carol D. Calamari, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, June Incorvaia, Julia Dagistanli and broker co-owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Carol Darby who presented their awards. Not pictured is Grace Tirrito. 

ERA Justin Realty Award Achievers Exceed Expectations

Although 2013 has been a growing real estate year for sales, buyers are waiting for the right house at the right price and smart sellers who think like buyers are benefiting. The ERA Justin Realty staff of sales professionals have worked diligently with sellers and buyers to continue to be a real estate market leader.  They offer the ERA Sellers Security Plan to area sellers where ERA Justin Realty will sell the house or ERA will buy it.  There are conditions to the plan, which may not be for every seller, but for those with a timeframe deadline it may be ideal.  Additionally, the firm is offering the ERA Home Protection Plan, which covers many components of the house for the buyer, when purchased by the seller, and the seller is covered during the listing period while the house is being marketed for sale.  Consumers are invited to review both plan programs with the ERA Justin Realty sales professionals.

Ask the ERA Justin Realty 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter 2013 award achievers, how important proper house pricing is and the answer you will most likely hear over and over again is "realistically.” Ask any of these Leadership Circle achievers who will provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and you will have the answers to your real estate questions.  They include, Ilene Harpuder, Cathy Vick, Michelle Korosy, Carol D. Calamari, Peggy McLaughlin, Fara Espandi, Kristen Davis, June Incorvaia, Julia Dagistanli, Grace Tirrito and broker co-owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Carol Darby who presented their awards. 

Ron Darby, broker stated, “If you are thinking of selling your house in the near future and want to know for how much it might sell, then you should contact one of our ERA Justin Realtor salespersons and request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine its fair market value.  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. To get an estimate of the fair market value, a homeowner can call our ERA Justin Realty 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 in the neighborhood, and how long these houses took to sell. The resulting analysis can help a homeowner understand what today's market has impacted the price of the house, and it will provide a realistic figure of fair market value.  If a house 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.  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.  In that way, we know that our buyers and sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.  Proof of our abilities for our clients and customers shows in these fine award achievers, honored during the first three quarters of 2013.”

For more information, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team 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 websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Attracts Successful Agents From Within the Industry

Part of the ERA Justin Realty sales team who transferred to the firm from other area brokerages. Broker co-owners Jennifer Darby Metzger and Carol Darby, right and left pictured with Kristen Davis, Cathy Vick, Fara Espandi, Peggy McLaughlin, June Incorvaia, Glenn Elliot and Julia Dagistanli.

 ERA Justin Realty Attracts Successful Agents From Within the Industry

Bergen County, New Jersey:  How many careers exist today where management truly works to help their Realtor team be successful. According to Cathy Vick, a leading real estate salesperson with ERA Justin Realty, “We all work as a team each day to help achieve our goals for our buyers and sellers, in a constant changing real estate industry.

Our team of agents recently shared past experiences of their real estate beginnings and how and why they joined and now enjoy their successes at ERA Justin Realty. Our firm’s management team has hired, trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many of our ERA Justin Realty agents have been with us for decades."

Ron Darby, broker co-owner said, “We are pleased to review the names of  agents who transitioned to ERA Justin Realty from other area real estate firms. Kristen Davis joined us fromCentury 21 Schilare Realty, Fara Espandi from A.W. Van Winkle Realty, Peggy Mc Laughlin - Van Winkle & Liggett Realty, June Incorvaia - Van Winkle & Liggett Realty, Edward Bulger - Edgerton Realty, Mary Maguire - Hometown Agency, Grace Tirrito - Auteri Realty, Cathy Vick - Century 21 Colonial Realty, Fred Schule, K Realty Co., Glenn Elliot - Prestia Realty, John Boguszewski - Century 21 Nancy Blevins Realty, Karen Hermey - Arlene Sigretto Realty, Karen Kelly - Kurgan Bergen Realtors, Carol Darby - K Realty Co., Rosemarie Zembryski - A.W. Van Winkle Realty, Denise Leonessa - Prudential Professionals, Soila Columbie - Century 21 Nancy Blevins Realty, Pamela Collins - Prudential Professionals, Julia Dagistanli - Prudential Professionals, and Ron Darby - K Realty Co.

Many have grown with us over decades and have stellar real estate careers.  Collectively ERA Justin Realty has generated thousands of listings and sales and have received nearly 800 testimonials and reviews from our sellers and buyers.  In addition we proudly feature other agents who joined us as new licensees.  Our ERA Justin Realty team totals nearly 30 sales professionals.”

Vick continued, “As real estate trends change we watch and listen. Our brokers offers one of the strongest earning structures for agents, once again bringing our firm to the forefront.  We also are given strong marketing opportunities and full Internet exposure for our listings as a market leader.  Full color page advertising of our listings in the South Bergenite  brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents while giving our sellers strong marketing exposure.  It’s part of our firm's ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ benefit package, an exclusive with us. We are considered a real estate firm offering a superior level of support to our agents, sellers and buyers, since opening for business 1950.

ERA Justin Realty has been honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide from over 2,600 ERA offices and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award, one to receive this prestigious award nationwide for consecutive years.  For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately. Our‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ package has been structured so agents have a sense of pride in their industry, our firm and other benefits which they deserve in this new age of real estate.”

Darby concluded, “To speak with any of our agents, phone us or view our websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.BuyBergenCounty.com." 

ERA Justin Realty operates two state-of-the-art Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. 

ERA Justin Realty Shares Do's and Don'ts of mixing architectural styles

Jennifer Darby Metzger, with Lifetime membership in the NJAR Distinguished Sales Club for more than 10 years of Bronze, Silver and Gold NJAR Awards and being a broker co-owner of ERA Justin Realty shares her outreach to the National Trust for Historic Preservations, evident in her report on mixing architectural styles.

ERA Justin Realty Shares Do's and Don'ts of mixing architectural styles

Most of us appreciate the aesthetic value of historic homes, and have even been known to fall in love with them from time to time.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner is partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and has increased her educational outreach centering on the preservation of historic properties. Having this designation makes her familiar with architecture that spans more than three centuries of history, ranging from stately Federal mansions and handsome Italianate row houses to modest Queen Anne cottages and modest bungalows.

She stated, “As reported in Inman News, not long ago, in a pleasant, sixties-era neighborhood of California ranchers, reporter came across a renovated house that looked all too familiar. The owner had replaced the original front doors, all the windows and the garage door in a style that could most kindly be described as Home Depot eclectic. To begin with, there was a huge, modernistic vinyl picture window. A few feet away were a pair of casement windows bordered with those now-inescapable craftsman style ‘simulated divided lites. The garage door, meanwhile, was topped with a row of little Colonial sunburst windows, while the front doors boasted an elaborate Frank Lloyd Wright pattern done in beveled glass. Just about the only style that was absent, in fact, was that of the original California rancher. Setting aside the wisdom of trying to transform one architectural style into another, any one of these motifs might have worked had it been used consistently and alone. Combining them all together, however, simply yielded a stylistic hodgepodge.”

Metzger Continued, “It's amazing how a single motif can call up a whole architectural style. Motifs act as a kind of visual shorthand -- when we see fishscale shingles, we think Victorian. When we see zigzags, we think Deco. When we see curlicues, we think Spanish, and so on. But this same suggestive power can cause a lot of trouble when it's not used carefully. Few motifs, for example, could be more at odds than those New Englandish sunbursts being played against the jagged lines of Prairie School glass just a few feet away. Probably the most clear-cut dividing line between irreconcilable motifs is the one between traditional and modern architecture. There are always exceptions, but in general, traditional and modern styles spring from diametrically opposed philosophies, and seldom the twain shall meet. This realization might have discouraged our exemplary renovator from mixing in a little Ben Franklin with his Frank Lloyd Wright.

Is all this just stylistic nitpicking? Sure -- but nitpicking is what makes for good design. Nor are such clashing motifs something that would only bother an architect. Lately, more and more homeowners come primed with an impressive grasp of architectural styles -- due, no doubt, to This Old House style TV shows and instant Google searches. Lots of people are able to sense when things don't seem to fit together right. So unless you aim to be eclectic, try to limit yourself to a few favorite motifs, and apply them consistently. If you use segmental arches, for example, don't mix them with round ones -- the first speaks Italian, while the second screams in Spanish. For similar reasons, don't mix double-hung windows with sliders, Art Nouveau with Art Deco, divided lites with glass block, and so on. All of these pairings come from very different eras and sources, and they'll get along none too happily in one facade.

If you're not sure which motif goes with which style, consult some books on the style or period you're interested in. Find five or six examples of buildings you really like, and take note of the motifs they have in common. Then, pay equally close attention to the things you don't find, and you won't be confused by those mixed-up motifs.”

ERA Justin Realty has been recognized by multi-thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950 as their Realtor of choice and is noted as an area market leader. They proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003-2012 Commitment to Excellence Award, a premier ERA award and selected from approximately 2,600 ERA firms from across the nation. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice. They also offer their publication Real Estate Results in Writing featuring more than 700 reviews from their buyers and sellers about their services.

Jennifer Darby Metzger and the entire ERA Justin Realtor salesperson team 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 at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.