Your Fall Home Maintenance Check List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

While many people across the U.S. have traditionally enjoyed the perks of an urban lifestyle, some who live in more populated city limits today are beginning to rethink their current neighborhoods. Sharon Robie and Beth Albanese, Realtor Sales Associates at ERA Justin Realty highlight some reasons for the rise in this shift. “Being in close proximity to everything from the grocery store to local entertainment is definitely a perk, especially if you can also walk to some of these hot spots and have a short commute to work. The trade-off, however, is that highly populated cities can lack access to open space, a yard, and other desirable features,” they state.  These are the kinds of things you may miss when spending a lot of time at home. When it comes to social distancing, as we’ve experienced recently, the newest trend seems to be around re-evaluating a once-desired city lifestyle and trading it for suburban or rural living.

As the economy reopens, the impact on consumer preferences will likely shift buying behavior. Consumers are already looking for larger homes, bigger yards, access to the outdoors and more separation from neighbors. As we move into the recovery stage, these preferences will play an important role in the type of homes consumers will want to buy. They will also play a role in the coming discussions on zoning and urban planning. While higher density has been a hallmark of urban development over the past decade, the pandemic may lead to a re-thinking of space allocation.

Today, moving outside the city limits is also more feasible than ever, especially as Americans have quickly become more accustomed to – and more accepting of – remote work. This trend may continue for the unforeseeable future, while businesses re-evaluate their business models. 

If you have a home you were thinking about selling, you may see an increasing number of buyers looking for a property like yours. Likewise, if you’re thinking of buying to finally leave that City lifestyle, now is the time to consider looking at homes for sale in the burbs. Beth and Sharon, or any of our experience real estate professionals, are here to help make it happen! We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

ERA JUSTIN’S RELOCATION TIPS FOR KIDS

Beth Albanese and Sharon Robie focused sales professionals with ERA Justin Realty offer important relocation tips for kids. “ERA Justin Realty has been #1 in closed Rutherford transactions for the past 18 years. Many of the homes purchased, were done so with plans for their kids to begin the school year in a brand new location. Every year, one out of five American families move. One of the most important issues to them is explaining the news that they're moving and adjusting to their new home. Being informed is very important to children. One of the worst mistakes we can make as adults is to assume that kids don't care or won't understand the details. Keeping them 'in the loop,' consulting them about choices whenever possible, and including them in the family game plan will work wonders toward their adjustment.” Other factors depend on a child's age, Beth and Sharon continued:

“Preschool children: Kids under the age of six may worry about being left behind, or being separated from their parents. If you go on an orientation or house-hunting trip beforehand without the children, it's important to reassure kids this age that you will be back; bring something unique back to them from the new town. It's also very important for them to express their feelings and fears about the move. Give them a job to do - have them be responsible for boxing up their favorite toys, and 'labeling' their boxes with crayons and stickers.


Ages 6 to 12: Elementary age kids are usually most concerned with how the everyday routines of their lives are going to change. Showing them pictures, videos, and magazines of their new home will help a lot, especially if you can find new places in advance for the things they like to do. If your child takes dance lessons, find and share information about the new dance studio she can go to. If he takes karate or plays soccer or baseball, even if her favorite thing to do is the park or the pizza parlor, find these places in your new neighborhood and get brochures, pictures or videos.


Teenagers: Teenagers are most concerned with fitting in. They may react unhappily to the move. This is usually due to the total lack of control they have over everything important in their lives - friends, school and jobs - being disrupted. These children can be very worried about making new friends, and what will be different in the new school. They are curious about the clothing, hairstyles, bicycles, cars, etc. that kids in the new city will have. Pictures of all these things are very helpful, so if you take an orientation trip to be sure to take many detailed photos/videos of the schools they will be attending.


Other tips for making the transition:

1. Give young children an entertaining travel kit for the move.
2. Give older children a diary for recording the trip and move.
3. Give children of all ages a special address book and stationery set for keeping up with old friends.
4. Take videos of the new home if the kids won't get to see it before the move. Arrive well before the movers so kids can explore and become acquainted first.
5. Give children a chore to do, such as working on their room (younger), supervising little siblings (middle), and painting or arranging furniture (older kids).
6. Take a break with the family as soon as possible to explore the museums, sights, and recreation in your new city.
7. Arrange a visit to new schools and a meeting with the teacher before the actual first day of attendance.
8. Encourage the children to bring new friends home.

Regardless of when you move, prepare your children well for the transition. By planning ahead, you'll be able to offer them a few details of what to expect. Give the kids plenty of opportunities to express their feelings about the move, and their anxieties about the new school, new friends and teachers. Try to find ways to address your own emotional needs and your stress load so that you appear available to the kids at times. Planning and organizing can help keep stress to a minimum. Different children have different needs, certainly, and all kids process stress differently. Share your feelings and encourage the kids to see the move as a family adventure. You're all in it together. You will all experience emotional ups and downs, and it's important that everyone understands how normal these feelings are. Acknowledge the emotions of moving. Looking ahead to the new house, new school, and new friends should shortly be an exciting experience.

Jennifer Darby Metzger, owner-broker concluded, “This is an overview of how you may want to handle your move. It is our pleasure to assist our home buyers and sellers throughout the entire process. Reach any of our Realtor sales professionals at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone, (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.” Additional information about ERA Justin Realty is available on our 1000's of homes websites at www.erajustin.com and www.erajustinrealty.com."

Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers In Current Housing Market

 

There are many home buyers intent on buying while they can still lock in a low mortgage rate and varied mortgage programs for qualified buyers. The 2019 housing market is presenting good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this current selling environment. The first step is to start thinking like a buyer, not a seller. While buyers are anxious to buy before rates rise, sellers also know they are in competition with other homes on the market.

ERA Justin Realtor agent Sharon Robie reported, “As written in Inman News, buyers are concerned about value.  For this reason, pricing is important in order to create interest as well as showings to qualified buyers. Listings attract attention when they're new on the market. To maximize your opportunities, your home not only needs to be priced right and properly prepared for sale, but you also need a comprehensive prepared marketing plan by your Realtor agent at ERA Justin Realty. You want to make sure that information about your listing immediately reaches as many potential buyers as possible.”

The ERA Justin Realtor Beth Albanese added,  "Sellers need be proactive with comprehensive information when preparing the sale of their house.  ERA Justin Realty provides our sellers with a marketing plan with marketing materials that will be used to promote their home, as well as strong Internet exposure. As reported, approximately 80 percent of today's home buyers start their home searches on the Internet."

Ron Darby, Broker-Owner continued, “A listing on the Internet isn't enough, though. Buyers don't look at listings that don't have photos. You gain an edge with an array of multiple photos and a virtual tour of your home that we place on the Internet as soon as your home is opened to the market. It's important to have a good working relationship with your listing salesperson.  Hundreds of past sellers who had positive experiences buying their home through us decide to list with our salesperson who represented them as buyers. See our more than 1,000 written reviews about our services, available in our published report. In most cases, it's not wise to work with a salesperson who does not sell outside of their market area. An unorganized marketing effort as well as selling through an outside area discount brokerage firm can result in a no-sale."

Sharon and Beth continued, "Your aim is to sell for the highest price possible. But keep in mind that overpriced listings won't sell or appraise for a mortgage for your buyer as it's all based on comparable closed sales. Your house is in daily competition with many similar houses on the market at any given time.  We are active in your area and will advise you about an effective list price for your home.  We offer our Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), a comprehensive study of your house in comparison with others that are on the market, that have sold, that have expired, as well as a year-end market update.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning us at our office.”

ERA Justin Realty continuously receives the prestigious ERA Commitment to Excellence Award, chosen from approximately 30,000 ERA brokers and agents from across the nation.  For these reasons, ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice, as thousands have chosen them since 1950.

Sharon, Beth and their ERA Justin Realtor team can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue and their Hoboken meet and greet location and 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.

Special People Doing Special Things!

Special People Doing Special Things!

ERA Justin Realty in conjunction with Realtor agent and program coordinator Sharon Robie have secured items of necessity for families and children for Christmas 2018. 

N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue started in 2015 as a non profit fundraising organization.   Phil and Renay Stafford started the charity because in 1999 they were flooded  by hurricane Floyd and lost most of their belongings.  When they applied for relief services they were told that they would have to wait for services.  That motivated Phil and Renay as Phil had been helping people most of his life but wanted to take it a step further. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue was born. 

Phil offered, "We try to help people that are in crisis without having to wait. If someone comes to us for help we can help immediately  We help people all year long with food, toiletries and essential household items. At this time of year, one of many things we do is adopt a family for Christmas."

Renay added, "Throughout the years we've helped families who are in crisis or are having difficult times. We help single parents, seniors, Veterans and the homeless. We have families who are registered with us who we help with food weekly. During their hard times, we help them with fruits, vegetables and non perishable items. In this way what little money they do have they can use towards bills, rent, medicines, etc. The families for our Adopt A Family program are families that are registered with us.  We also sponsor a domestic violence agency, Never Alone Again.  This organization has families with single moms and children with many of them living in a shelter. We also have families referred to us from people who we know; who know families who are struggling. This is our 3rd year that we have done this project. The first year we helped about 15 families, the 2nd year we helped 25 families and this year were able to sponsor 40 families and 93 children."

Sharon concluded, "We have single families and companies including ERA Justin Realty sponsoring families for Christmas this year. This is very bitter-sweet and are happy that we are able to help so many families, but its also sad that there are so many in a situation like this. N.J. Food & Clothing Rescue could not do what we do collectively without the help of very generous people. I can be reached at Sharon@erajustin.com. For additional information visit their website www.njfoodclothingrescue.org or email them at njfoodandclothingrescue@aol.com"

ERA Justin Realty's Sharon Robie Achieves Dreams for Buyers and Sellers

ERA Justin Realty's Sharon Robie Achieves Dreams for Buyers and Sellers

ERA Justin Realtor agent, Sharon Robie proudly explains, “Our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals make dreams come true every day. Imagine how satisfied I feel every time I help a buyer find a home.  I feel as rewarded today as I did when I entered real estate, and especially through my association with ERA Justin Realty. Buying or selling a home may be stressful, navigating purchase and selling paths alone.  Yet, it doesn't have to be when you have a competent, reliable and accessible realtor professional to guide you through the process. Utilizing my well-honed negotiating and people skills, I excel in helping my buyers and sellers navigate through this process. As a member of varied Multiple Listing services, I can show you through hundreds of homes listed by Realtors in New Jersey. It is my pleasure to listen to your needs and dreams, and I'll work tirelessly to facilitate your goals without compromise. I am committed to treating every buyer and seller, as you are my only buyer and seller."

Ron Darby ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner said, "Since 1950 ERA Justin Realty has been on the cutting edge of top service to the communities, both in listings and sales, as well as our participation in charitable events.  Our slogan, There is a difference in real estate companies carries a strong message, as our management and team of agents work to excel buyer and seller expectations each day.  We prove it each day when one looks at our awards, activities, successful sales and our charitable events.  Check out our activities, all listed on our award search websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com."

"As a full-time Realtor agent, I entered the real estate field because I wanted to work with people, earn an income and have a schedule that would meet my family's needs," said Sharon. "What I discovered along the way was that in real estate you are your own success and that you get out what you put into your work, in the form of personal satisfaction and compensation.  My business is based on going the extra distance for my buyers and sellers each day throughout each year.”

She continued, “Because of our daily priorities, we proudly receive the prestigious ERA  Commitment to Excellence Award, as a premier ERA Real Estate firm. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it."

Jennifer Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker-Owner stated, “Repeat and referral business is a mainstay of our firm.  Sharon has built a base of buyers and sellers who count on her to transact their real estate business. Her production record speaks for itself.  Sharon will perform above your expectations.”

 All ERA Justin Realty full-service realtors can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.

Ask to see a copy of their over 1,000 reviews of their services from their buyers and sellers. 

SHARON ROBIE FEATURED AT WALLINGTON NJ SHOP-RITE TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY

SHARON ROBIE FEATURED AT WALLINGTON NJ SHOP-RITE TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY

“Striving to obtain complete customer satisfaction is a quality I have often been praised for and one that I continually pursue as a top real estate agent,” stated Sharon Robie of ERA Justin Realty, featured as you enter the Wallington, NJ Shop-Rite.

Sharon has a long history in service industries pertaining to customer relations. Her success continues to be outstanding, now attracting buyers and sellers who shop the newer Wallington facility and whose friendly face greets shoppers as they enter the store.

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker stated, “Sharon’s attributes parallel our business philosophy in that our buyers and sellers will benefit from her upbeat, friendly abilities to provide customer satisfaction. A Wallington resident for over 50 years, she resides with her husband William Robie and her son Billy.”

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S SHARON ROBIE EASES BUYERS CONCERNS

ERA JUSTIN REALTY’S SHARON ROBIE EASES BUYERS CONCERNS


You've dreamed of home ownership and after a careful search, you've found the perfect one. So, what is this knot doing in the pit of your stomach? Why are you asking, "Did I make the right decision, what have I gotten myself into?"

Sharon Robie, ERA Justin Realtor agent says, “You have a simple case of Buyer's Remorse. We all get it, whether you purchased a house, a car or that special pair of shoes. It's a phenomenon especially if you've made a major purchase. Buying a home could be the biggest purchase you've ever made. It's a common and understandable feeling. You've just stepped way outside of your comfort zone. So, what do you do to keep these feelings in check?”

Sharon continued, “These feelings will subside, especially when you begin to count all the ways this new purchase will benefit you. You can begin deducting the interest you pay on income tax. And you'll be building equity with every payment and every improvement. Also keep in mind that property is almost always the one investment that continues to appreciate in value. And don't forget that you now have your own four walls to do with as you please - no more landlord to ask about your decorating ideas. Tax laws update regularly so ask your accountant for all of the details and benefits waiting for you.

Remind yourself that the banking industry likes you and thinks you're a good choice to provide you with a mortgage loan. They see you as a good possibility. So when your confidence concerning, trust the bank's positive opinion of you and your ability to handle this obligation.

Once you have things somewhat in place, you should start to feel a lot better, especially when friends come by to congratulate you on what a great decision you've made. Home ownership is the dream of most people. With planning, budgeting and doing your homework, you've just made it all come true. So, settle in and be very proud of your accomplishments. Those anxious feelings will be a distant memory as you enjoy all the benefits of home ownership. I'm anxious to serve you. I strive to obtain complete customer satisfaction, a quality I have often been praised for and one that I continually pursue. These are words I've lived by throughout my business life. I want to be your Realtor and can be reached by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD."

SHARON ROBIE NEW AGENT AT ERA JUSTIN REALTY

“Striving to obtain complete customer satisfaction is a quality I have often been praised for and one that I continually pursue. These are words I’d lived by throughout my business life,” stated Sharon Robie of ERA Justin Realty.

Sharon has a long history in service industries pertaining to customer relations. Beginning in the travel business and opening her own business, she was the first in the area to start a honeymoon registry moving to a Tahitian tour specialist. The past travel economy dictated a change although she continues to accommodate her past customers.  From her beginnings she has learned the importance of holding customers needs and desires foremost when providing them with professional assistance. 

In addition to her post at ERA Justin Realty, she is a former President of the Wallington Family Football Organization, a current Council Woman in Wallington and has serves as a liaison to the Board of Education, the Board of Health and is familiar with rent leveling within her community. Sharon  has been commended for her abilities to provide satisfying service in her relationships with the public. 

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker stated, “Sharon’s attributes parallel our business philosophy in that our buyers and sellers will benefit from her upbeat, friendly abilities to provide customer satisfaction.  A Wallington resident for over 50 years, she resides with her husband William Robie and her son Billy who will be attending William Paterson University.”

In her free time, Sharon enjoys volunteering for local charitable events including  Access For All,  a committee to help the disabled within her community. She and her family loves summer free time at the Jersey shore. 

She continued, “ERA Justin Realty is well known to be an outstanding and high volume model as a state-of-the-art real estate industry leader. To become one of the best, you learn from the best. After carefully interviewing with other real estate firms, I knew that Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger broker-owners were a perfect fit for my career at their firm. They made me feel at home and comfortable and offered me an opportunity I could not pass up.  

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide Commitment to Excellence Award  for many years and selected from approximately 2,600 ERA real estate firms.  All across the nation, the most sought award that can be achieved in business is the J.D. Power & Associates award.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers and Sellers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

For more information, and to speak with Sharon about real estate needs, consumers can reach her and the other ERA Justin professionals 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 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.