NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO HELP SELL YOUR HOME

While 2020 may have been a bad year by many standards, from a real estate perspective, it was a good year.  Interest rates his all time lows, and for home sellers, that meant a great time to cash in.  These trends look to continue into 2021. So if you’re thinking about selling your home next year, Michelle Korosy, a sales associate at ERA Justin Realty Co, has some advice for things you can do now to prepare to list your home.  

 

Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection

“Hire a home inspector to do a thorough inspection of your home before you put it on the market,” advises Michelle. “This way you have plenty of time to make any necessary repairs and will be ready to go when you want to list.”  This will remove many objections that your potential buyers may have, and you also might benefit from a faster sale and higher selling price.

 

Start Decluttering Now

“Most people have no idea how much stuff they have until they decide to move,” Michelle continues. “Start going through your basement, attic, closets, spare room, and even your main living areas with the aim toward getting rid of everything you don’t want to move to your new home.” Donate it, sell it, give it away or throw it away! You want your home to look as spacious and clean as possible to attract buyers.  

 

Get a Head Start on Packing 

If you don’t need it for the next six months or so, pack it up. Holiday decor, seasonal items, sentimental items that remained after your decluttering -- all these can be packed now. “The less things you have in closets, the garage, or the basement, the more spacious your home will look and feel,” advises Michelle.  

 

Find a Good Realtor

Take the time to meet with several real estate agents to make sure you find someone who you can trust to help you through the multitude of technical and financial steps that are necessary. A good real estate agent will also be incredibly knowledgeable about the local market, so you can be sure that you get the best possible price for your home. 

 

ERA Justin Realty Co has received the number one ranking in closed sales in Rutherford for 20 consecutive years, and its agents have on average more than 10 years experience. Ready to sell your home? Contact Michelle or one of the other qualified real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.

 

 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. 

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.

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!

            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.

                          

                                        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

                               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.                                                  

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.  

 

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.  

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.

 

 

Renting or Buying:  What’s Right For You?

Is it better to rent or buy a home?   Unfortunately,  there is no “right” answer --  rather, it depends on many factors and differs from person to person.   Regardless, it is a major decision that warrants careful thought.  

Grace Tirrito, sales associate with ERA Justin Realty, suggests that you make a list of your priorities, financial goals, and personal preferences  when making the decision to rent or buy.  “Despite popular belief, renting doesn’t always mean that you’re ‘throwing away money’ and buying doesn’t always ‘build wealth’,” she explains.  “In reality, the decision is much more complex.”  

Why RENT?

Flexibility - Do you have a job that requires you to move around every few years?  Are you not sure about which neighborhood you want to live in?   “Renting a home makes it much easier to move because you don’t have to go through the home selling process,” says Tirrito.  “if you need the flexibility to move easily, then renting is the best choice for you.”  

Fixed Monthly Expenses - When renting a home, your monthly expenses are fairly fixed -- you know what you owe each month for rent, utilities, and renter’s insurance.  When you own a home, there’s the chance for an unexpected expense -- like replacing the furnace, or repairing the roof.  

Limited Maintenance - Depending on your lease, most maintenance is the landlord’s responsibility.  You might need to mow the lawn, but you’re generally not responsible for major home repairs or maintenance.

Biggest con when renting?   Your landlord is in charge.   You may be faced with a rent increase, limitations on what changes you can make to the interior, or you may be asked to leave when the lease is up.

Reasons To BUY 

Build Equity - Buying a home is a financial investment and every time you make a mortgage payment you are building equity in that investment.  You can turn that equity into cash if you sell the home or refinance it.

Stability and Community - Owning a home and being connected to a community has many benefits for those looking to raise a family and establish long term relationships with friends. 

Freedom - Owning your own home gives you the control to update and renovate as you see fit.  Update that kitchen, refinish the basement, or add a backyard pool.   

Whether to rent or buy a home is a major decision. Some people buy homes when financially they’d be better off renting because home ownership is important to them.  Conversely, some people are habitual renters because they value flexibility, even though they’d amass more equity long term if they bought a home.  If you are facing this decision, working with a trusted professional like Grace Tirrito can help.   To connect with Grace, or any of our experienced Real Estate Agents, call 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.

The Appraisal Process When Purchasing a Home

The Appraisal Process When Purchasing a Home

What Does An Appraiser Look For? An appraiser looks for a home’s “fixed qualities” like location, age, construction quality, total square footage, size and type of rooms, and functional layout. They’ll also look at the homes systems, such as HVAC and plumbing, as well as health and safety factors and code compliance.

The appraiser is using background research on the value of similar, neighboring homes, and their visit to the property in order to give a qualified opinion as to the value of the home, which is then given to a lender. Kaitlyn Baco, Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty, says, “The purpose of the appraiser providing this information to the lender is so the lender can assess whether or not lending the amount requested would be recouped in the event the buyer defaulted on the loan and the property had to be resold.”

Some question how an appraiser’s role is different than a home inspector, and why does a buyer need both opinions? Kaitlyn further explains, “An inspector assesses the condition of the structure and systems of the home and provides their opinion on its current living condition. This is done in order to give the prospective buyer, and possibly the lender, an idea of how much more money they may or may not need to have to put into the house in the future. This could help a real estate agent and all parties evaluating the information determine if the asking price should be negotiated or adjusted.

The Valuation Process

Believe it or not, the valuation process begins before your appraiser even steps foot onto your property. The appraiser will start by getting a feel for the neighborhood and how your house fits in. Some things they consider include the home’s proximity to the highway, noise level, power lines or public access across the property, whether or not the home looks cared for and maintained, and landscaping and topography.

Once inside, the appraiser is not there to consider your choice of paint color, the pattern of your wallpaper or the curtains you have covering the windows. Rather than these easy-to-change cosmetic detail, the appraiser will be looking at the quality of the finish, and materials used. The appraiser will look to see if the walls are dented, pitted, and marked with chipped woodwork. In addition, the appraiser will assess the home’s layout. In the majority of homes, the design is standard and will not impact the value of the property. However, if the floor plan is unusual or the placement of the various rooms is atypical, then the appraiser may take this into account when calculating their value.

Other rooms that could affect the appraisal price include the kitchen and bathroom and attic. In both the kitchen and bathroom, the appraiser will consider the age and type of fixtures and fittings as well as the floors throughout the home. If you have an attic, insulation levels are taken into consideration along with the access to the attic, whether it has been “finished” and whether or not it has heating or cooling. Speaking of heating and cooling; the type of heating of the home will be noted as there is a difference in value between homes with forced air heating, hot water baseboard heating systems and radiators.

All of this information from both onsite and offsite evaluations is compiled in a report and given to lender to determine the appropriate lending amount.

A lot goes into a real estate transaction, including the appraisal process. To help you make sense of it all, it’s imperative to have a professional, like Kaitlyn, walk you through the steps. To reach out to Kaitlyn or any of our real estate professionals, contact us at 201.939.7500 or 201.438.0588.

Selling Your House “As Is”

Whether you own a house that needs repair, an investment property that is out of town, a home you inherited, or just don’t have the time or money to make the needed repairs, you may be asking if you can sell it “as is”.   Selling “as is” can make it easier for you to sell your home quickly and avoid the hassle of expensive repairs, but it does have some drawbacks.

Cathy Vick, seasoned Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares her thoughts of selling a home in “as is” condition. She states, “When a home is being sold “as-is”, it means the homeowner is selling the home in its current condition with no intention of making repairs or improvements before the sale”. This can potentially save the seller time, effort, and money. Cathy continues, “If you have inherited the home, chances are you have very little idea what may be wrong with the house.  You probably don’t know what repairs it actually needs.  Selling ‘as is’ frees you from the worry of problems potential buyers may ask you to repair.” There are a few things you need to keep in mind when getting this type of home ready for the market.

Realistic Pricing

Once you have a realistic sense of how much repairs will cost, you can start to focus on pricing. A seasoned Realtor, such as Cathy, can give you a good idea of what the fair market value of your home is if it were in good shape. By using this number in conjunction with the cost of repairs you will be able to come up with a listing price that is attractive to both regular home buyers as well as investors.

Fill Out a Seller’s Disclosure 

Selling a home in as-is condition because of repair costs, however, does not relieve the seller of their responsibility to disclose any important information about the condition of the home. Any problems the seller knows about needs to be disclosed and failing to do so could cause serious problems later down the road. A real estate agent will work with you on a seller’s disclosure document to outline any problems that exists with the home. This includes everything from previous water damage to foundation issues or boundary issues. In addition, any issues with hazardous materials like Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos need to be disclosed. If the buyer feels the seller was hiding material facts about the condition of the property, they could sue for damages. 

Negotiation

Selling “as-is” does not mean the buyer can’t re-negotiate the price and as long as there is an inspection clause in the contract, the buyer can get out if the repairs are too costly. The buyer has three options after the inspection: 1) Close at the agreed-upon price; 2) Cancel the contract; or 3) Re-negotiate with the seller for a lower price. The as-is seller can hold their ground and refuse to renegotiate the price or terms of the sale but this whole process can take weeks. 

It can be difficult selling a home that needs significant repairs. Your best bet is to hire an experienced real estate professional, like Cathy Vick, to navigate you through this process. To reach Cathy, or any of our experienced Sales Associates, call (201) 939-7500.

Krista Ponti Joins The ERA Justin Realty Family of Real Estate Professionals

 

Krista Ponti 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. 

 

“We are proud to welcome Krista Ponti to the ERA Justin Realty Sales Associate family”, states Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker Owner at ERA Justin Realty.Krista grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey and is currently a Rutherford resident. Spending half her life in Ocean County and half in Northern New Jersey, Krista is familiar with various areas of New Jersey.

 

As a licensed New Jersey Realtor, Krista is committed to being honest and loyal to her clients as she provides guidance throughout their exciting property endeavors.  She looks forward to offering the people of Rutherford, as well as surrounding areas, professional support in the various phases of purchasing, listing, and renting property.  

 

Krista is a Montclair State University graduate and was a New Jersey Public School teacher for fourteen years.  She has focused on combining her experience in education, passion for people and community, and altruistic personality into her growing real estate practice.  

 

When asked why she chose ERA Justin Realty as her brokerage, Krista says, “I feel real estate is in my blood. My grandfather, Anthony Folio, was an agent with ERA Justin many years ago, when the office was located on the corner of Union Avenue. Once I decided to make real estate a full-time commitment, I chose to partner up with ERA Justin Realty because of their broad industry knowledge, longevity and stellar reputation, and the genuine concern displayed for both clients and fellow agents.  In addition, ERA Justin provides education opportunities to ensure their real estate professionals are handed the cutting-edge tools necessary to succeed in their careers. I am very excited to work among such professionals.”

 

On a personal note, Krista has many hobbies.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing all kinds of sports, going on long hikes, paddle boarding, water skiing, and practicing various Latin dance genres.

 

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

 

 

Trust ERA Justin Realty’s Second Quarter LEADERS Award Winners To Sell Your Home

Trust ERA Justin Realty’s Second Quarter LEADERS Award Winners To Sell Your Home

ERA Justin Realty announces its Leaders Award winners for the second quarter 2020. The Leaders Awards at ERA Justin is an internal awards program designed to recognize those agents that meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. The second quarter winners are (pictured, left to right): Carol D. Calamari, Julia Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Lee Schilare, and Rosemarie Zembryski.

“Each one of these agents knows that the impact of buying or selling a home goes well-beyond a simple transaction,” says Broker/Co-Owner, Jennifer Darby Metzger. “They do not just push for the next transaction, going for quantity over quality. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. These agents don’t treat real estate as a job, but as a lifestyle. That is the key to their success.”

And now more than ever, in today’s fast-paced world where answers are just a Google search away, there are some who may question the benefits of hiring a real estate professional when selling a house. The reality is, the addition of more information can lead to more confusion. A real estate agent can be your essential guide, but truth be told, not all agents are created equal. Finding the right agent for you and your family should be your top priority when you’re ready to sell your house.

The right agent is the person who can truly walk you through the whole process, look out for your best interest, and seamlessly lead you through all the steps along the way. The way we execute real estate transactions is changing constantly, especially as more elements can be done virtually. Making sure you have the best advice on your side is more important than ever.

So, how do you choose the perfect agent?

It starts with trust. You must trust the advice this person is going to give you, and you’ll want to begin by making sure you’re connected to a true professional. 

 

What do you need to trust your agent to do?

1. Navigate the Process

There are over 200 possible steps that take place during a successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to ensure you have a positive selling (or buying) experience?

2. Negotiate on Your Behalf

Today, hiring a trusted and talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step – from the buyer submitting an original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the potential cancelation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

3. Price Your House Competitively

There’s so much information in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s going on in our local area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively and correctly price your home at the beginning of the selling process?

Hiring a trusted professional who has a finger on the pulse of the market and is eager to help you learn will make your experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who’s going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

“We are  proud of these top-notch agents, who, first and foremost, are here for our community,” adds Darby Metzger. “They know this business inside and out and will help you navigate the process effectively and efficiently.” To connect with any of our real estate professionals, call 201.939.7500.