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 Participates in Kip Center Holiday Festival

The Kip Center ERA Justin Realty 2013 Starfish holiday wreath. Pictured L to R  Ilene Harpuder, Karen Kelly, Glenn Elliot, Carol D. Calamari, Rosemarie Zembryski, James Dagistanli, Matthew Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Jennifer Darby Metzger and Julia Dagistanli. Cathy Vick not pictured.

                

 ERA Justin Realty Participates in Kip Center Holiday Festival

 

Rutherford, New Jersey:  It was just fall, but within a wink and a blink a chill is now in the air, the malls are all decked out with holiday displays, shoppers are out and about and it’s also beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Rutherford’s Kip Center, the areas recreation and nutritional citizen center, where area residents enjoy daily activities and lunch programs. Holiday trees, decorative wreaths have brought much cheer to the Kip Center located at 55 Kip Avenue for its annual Festival of Trees and Wreaths, as well as much needed donations.

 

Holiday displays abound with participants who were as busy as holiday elves getting ready for the upcoming Kip Center drawing, when dozens of decorated trees and wreaths will be given to winners through their annual holiday drawing. The event helps raise needed donations used to fund the varied activities at the center.

 

Assisting in the creation of the ERA Justin Realty 2013 Starfish holiday wreath was Ilene Harpuder, Karen Kelly, Glenn Elliot, Carol D. Calamari, Rosemarie Zembryski, James Dagistanli, Matthew Dagistanli, Fara Espandi, Julia Dagistanli, Jennifer Darby Metzger and Cathy Vick.

 

Cathy Vick and Rosemarie Zembryski of ERA Justin Realty are the firm’s coordinators for their 2013 charitable event, and recently presented the unique theme wreath designed with special selected beach shells, starfish and much love. They said, "Our wreath submission is part of our ERA Starfish Project, our effort to make a difference in our community one person at a time. In order to reach a wide range of individuals and spread our spirit, we dedicate our time to a wide range of charities. We feel that one person making a difference to another can lead to many people making a difference in society. We all have the opportunity to help create positive change. You might not be able to change the entire world, but at least you can change a small part of it, for someone. Our focus is to bring financial benefits to the Kip Center fundraiser. We're happy to report that our past entries have been cited by the Kip Center as ‘Most Creative In the Business Category,’ for past years.”   

 

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner said,  "Our Starfish Project started with an old passage. 'An old man walks along a beach and sees a young boy throwing something into the water. As he approaches he sees hundreds of starfish lining the beach, washed in from the tide. The young boy is rushing around throwing the starfish back into the water one by one. The old man asks why he bothers, it's pointless.  There are too many starfish to help them all. As he flings a starfish deep into the water, the young boy replies, It mattered to that one.'  Tis the season for giving. By helping the Kip Center raise money with ERA Justin Realty’s donation of our Starfish holiday wreath and others you are helping that one or many in the community. Stop by the Kip Center for a chance to win!  It's always a win-win situation locally and you will be helping our area seniors immensely. Contact the Kip Center for details on their charitable drawing."

 

 You may read about the firm’s fundraising activities, their Starfish Project and more at their websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com, or phone any of their teammates at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD if you would like to assist in their ongoing fundraising activities.

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot: Helping Renters Become Buyers in 2013

Glenn Elliot, ERA Justin Realty Broker Salesperson has won many awards as monthly top overall producer. He was also awarded as Top Team member of the ERA Top Gun Academy, a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and  more. Glenn prides himself on being 1st in service to his clients and customers. His focus includes helping renters become buyers.

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot: Helping Renters Become Buyers in 2013

 

Nothing compares to the feeling of having a place to call home. At one time or another, however, most of us have felt frustration at seeing hard-earned money go into rent every month rather than a more permanent house payment. Renting is most people's first step toward home ownership, but what do you need to do to realize the dream of owning a home?  ERA Justin Realty’s Glenn Elliot shares important insight for South Bergenite readers who want to become a homeowner.

 

“Sometimes, it's not the regular rent-money obligations but other expenses that are the main obstacle in saving. A whole debt-counseling industry has arisen to guide consumers in getting out from under what they owe. Smart saving, not depriving yourself, just ensuring stability and enjoyment over the longest term involves many moves both major and simple, and can help prepare you for that first down payment.

 

On the simple end, rediscovering home cooking (and enjoying the leftovers as brownbag lunches) can amount to significant savings as compared to regularly dining out. On a higher level of financial planning, establishing a household budget and sticking to it, including a specific amount set aside for savings every month can get you to your home-affording goals sooner than you might have imagined.

 

You may also want to meet with a counselor who might negotiate a lower rate and set a sensible structure for your repayments on credit cards, while advising you how to ease dependence on them. This not only gets you on your own financial feet, but helps keep your credit rating intact for the very home loan you hope to someday secure.

 

There are additional ways to start working toward home ownership. Some sellers will enter into a rent-to- buy agreement, in which part of the regular rent is considered an installment of the home's down payment, which, once built up, can help you obtain financing. Low income renters may also qualify for federal "Section 8" vouchers which are paid to the landlord, subsidizing your rental expenses and helping you save for a permanent home.

 

Just as some renting options allow you to set funds aside, some types of purchases can help defray your costs even as you fulfill the stepped up obligations of home ownership. Pooling resources with other buyers to occupy a two-family home could be one; buying such a home by yourself and renting one half of it could be another.

 

Even if your economics remain challenging, there are low-down-payment mortgages, and other forms of financing for special circumstances, available to buyers who meet the right criteria. Our ERA Justin Realtor sales professionals can help you navigate through these options, accessing financing programs through the varied mortgage lenders who we may recommend. He or she can also identify what government help might be available, and generally counsel you on your readiness to be a buyer, and on what else you might need to do to get there. If you consult the right sources, your personal counselors and seek common-sense strategies, then your every move in the renter's world can be pointing you home.”

 

Elliot concluded, “ Our team at ERA Justin Realty have many answers and are available just a phone call way.  Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 - 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of several selected from ERA real estate firms with approximately 30,000 brokers and agents. We are the Realtor of choice to thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950.

 

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Broker co-owner added, “Ask to see our over 700 reviews of our services from our buyers and sellers. All across the nation, the most coveted award that can be achieved in business is the ‘J.D. Power & Associates’ award, in the past received by ERA Real Estate for Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.  For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.”

 

Elliot and all of 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. View 1000's of homes at their websites at  ERAJustin.com and ERAJustinRealty.com.



ERA Justin Realty Report: Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers In Current Housing Market

Ron Darby, Broker and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty has been active in real estate since 1967. His expertise and that of  his staff are responsible for their growth in Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties to "ERA Top-100" national status. He offers positive directions for those planning to put their house on the market for sale.

 

ERA Justin Realty Report: Smart Sellers Think Like Buyers In Current Housing Market

 

There are plenty of home buyers intent on buying while they can still lock in a low mortgage rate. So, the 2013 housing market is presenting good opportunities for sellers who understand how to maximize profit in this new 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 know they are in competition with other homes on the market.

 

Ron Darby, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner reported, “As written in Inman News, when the market is rising quickly, buyers are less concerned about overpaying because they're sure they'll recoup the excess payment within a short period because of robust appreciation. This was the psychology of earlier year's. Now, buyers are much more concerned about value.  For this reason, pricing is important in order to create showings.

 

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, you also need a comprehensive prepared marketing plan by your Realtor salesperson 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 salespersons are proactive in advising potential sellers with comprehensive information when preparing the sale of their house.  They provide you with a marketing plan with samples of the marketing materials that will be used to promote your home, as well as strong Internet exposure. As reported, approximately 80 percent of today's home buyers start their home searches on the Internet. 

 

Darby 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 virtual tour of your home that we place on the Internet as soon as your home is opened up 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 700 reviews about our services, available in our published report. This is a good strategy. In most cases, it's not wise to work with an salesperson who is outside of the local market area. An unorganized marketing effort as well as selling through an outside area discount brokerage firm can result in a no-sale.

 

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.

 

Our ERA Justin Realtor salespersons who are active in your area will be able to 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 the year-end 2013 market update.  It’s offered at no cost or obligation simply by phoning our office.”

 

ERA Justin Realty proudly received 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 of chosen them since 1950.

 

 The ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000’s of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com, www.ERAJustinRealty.com and www.BuyBergenCounty.com.

ERA Justin Realty Tips: Investing in Curb Appeal and Staging When Selling

ERA Justin Realtor salesperson Rosemarie Zembryski offers information which can mean a faster sale in a competitive real estate market. A graduate of the ERA Top-Gun Academy, Rosemarie's focus to her buyers and sellers is evident as she details in this article.

 

ERA Justin Realty Tips: Investing in Curb Appeal and Staging When Selling

 

Rosemary Zembryski, a Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty offers suggestions to sellers.  "We have been a Realtor of choice to thousands of buyers and sellers since 1950. Our team knows the correct advice for a successful sale. It may seem counterintuitive to invest money in a home you’re selling. Wouldn't it be better to save that money for improvements on your next home?  Even though the home sale market has improved impressively,  not necessarily in price, but in homes sold,  buyers may still pay more for homes they can move right into without having to do work. This is not to say that buyers won't buy homes that need updating, but they need to be able to see the potential. And the property needs to be priced right for the market, taking into account work that needs to be done.

 

Hypothetically, a home was sold in a residential neighborhood. It was owned by one family for more than 50 years. The property had deferred maintenance and a dated décor. If the listing had been put on the market before it was partially updated, it may have been harder to sell and would have sold for less than it did with some repairs and tasteful upgrades.

 

Before the sellers ordered a structural pest control ("termite") inspection, they had some obvious defects corrected. This kept the cost of the remaining repairs down. It also improved the appearance of the house. A back porch that was in poor condition and was easily visible was repaired. A pink vinyl bathroom floor was replaced with a neutral vinyl.

 

The most dramatic change was achieved by removing the heavy dark draperies, some dark furnishings and the dark flocked wallpaper in the foyer. The draperies were left off to expose the beautiful wood windows. The house was transformed from a dark, outdated home to a light-filled home with a lot of potential.

 

After personal clutter was out of the house, the shag carpet was removed to expose the beautiful hardwood floors. The interior  paint was touched up as needed, and the house was staged by our ERA Justin team with the existing furniture, artwork and accessories.

 

The house showed beautifully, even though the kitchen and bathrooms were old. The listing sold quickly with a back up offer at the asking price."

 

Realtor salesperson Cathy Vick added, "Improving curb appeal, the way a house looks from the street, usually pays off. For some buyers, curb appeal is so important that they won't even look at a listing that lacks good street presence.

 

Enhancing curb appeal can often be done inexpensively. Trim overgrown plants to a size that allows buyers to see the architectural detail of the house. If the landscaping has been unkempt for years, remove dead plants and add colorful plants before the house goes on the market. Replanting areas of  the lawn adds to the allure of a property."

 

Zembryski continued, "Kitchens and bathrooms are important to today’s homebuyers. However, it wouldn't be prudent to do a complete remodel just before you put your home on the market. You usually can't recoup the investment. Generally, fix-up-for-sale projects should be limited to cost-effective improvements like new paint, replacing outdated light fixtures and replacing worn floor coverings.

 

In the listing described above, the old bathrooms were given cosmetic upgrades. Toilets and pedestal sinks were replaced inexpensively. The original tub in this 1920s home was reglazed to look like new. It turned an eyesore into a bathroom that would please a buyer. You can improve the look of a dated kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, paint, updated light fixtures and a new floor, if necessary. It’s  true that many homes never look as good as when they’re for sale."

 

Vick concluded, “Repeat and referral business is a mainstay of our firm which has taken place thousands of times. We provide buyer and seller articles in North Jersey Newspapers.  Our Realtor salespersons have built a  base of buyers and sellers who count on them to transact their real estate business.  Questions? Call us, we want to perform above your expectations. Because of our daily priorities, ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA 2003- 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award,' as a premier ERA real estate firm. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.   ERA Real Estate was also the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.’ award through J.D. Powers."

 

Ask to see a copy of their more than 700 reviews of their services from their buyers and sellers.  More information is available on their two winning websites, www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

 

All 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 Shows How To Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

ERA Justin Realtor salesperson Michelle Korosy gives direction as seasons change and cooler weather is near. A full time professional, Michelle services buyers and sellers throughout Bergen Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.  

 

ERA Justin Realty Shows How To Save More Than Energy: The Cost-Efficient Home

 The energy-efficient home is moving from the horizons of futuristic planners to the agenda of current homeowners, another in a series of articles for North Jersey Newspapers, from ERA Justin Realty, the company that shows their buyers and sellers; there is a difference in real estate companies, your Realtor of choice since 1950.

Michelle Korosy, a Realtor salesperson with the firm, offered, “As we approach cooler weather, It’s not so much a matter of newer technologies, though alternate energy sources like solar is making inroads in the modern home. It may be well worth it to give your home an efficiency upgrade. First, you'll want to figure out what needs fixing. To identify problem areas, contact a qualified professional and get an energy audit of your home. Some upgrades are simple and less expensive. For example, one common problem is insulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that proper ceiling insulation alone can reduce your heating bill by as much as 20 percent. Other energy draining can be solved by replacing old fixtures with more modern and efficient models. Windows, doors and skylights equipped with sealed double or triple panes also reduce heating and cooling costs, and are features for which utility companies often offer rebates. 

The EPA notes that air leakage from gaps in your home’s structure,  holes for plumbing and wiring, for instance,  accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy a common home uses for heating and cooling. Similar troubles come from inadequately sealed duct joints and otherwise inefficient, older heating and cooling systems.

Even conventional systems such as ventilation can release enough heat from your home to cost a fortune in unnecessary bills. Upgrading these systems can pay for itself, and later pay off as an attractive resale value when possible buyers of your home want to benefit from this form of savings. 

And when you’re ready to go from finding the problem to fixing it, the government doesn’t just supply the bad news, it provides some solutions, as well. The EPA’s Energy Star rating has appeared on numerous products, identifying efficient appliances and other home furnishings that enable vast savings. Energy Star central air conditioners can save approximately 20 percent on cooling bills. 

Studies have shown the resale advantages of homes with lower energy costs. Look for such solutions, and buyers may be more likely to look into your home. Your utility bills, Energy Star fact sheets and other documentation can be attractive proof to present to prospective buyers.

In the short term, you can save on some of these improvements even as they help enhance your home’s value. In addition to offering expert advice and home-selling solutions, real estate brands such as ERA Justin Realty, feature the Select Services^SM network of national and local vendors with leading household products.

Consult an ERA Justin Realtor salesperson on how to navigate the options and opportunities available for the energy-conscious homeowner. Your investment in the future can have many returns right in the present.”

Korosy continued, “We are pleased to offer our ongoing consumer articles in the North Jersey Newspapers. Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our articles and our ERA Home Protection Plans are additional examples. Details are available. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate firm 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 in the highest regard and come to us to review our marketing plans when it is time to sell.”

ERA Justin Realty proudly is a real estate market leader since 1950 and has received the prestigious ERA national 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, one of a few ERA real estate firms from 2,600. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was also the 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.

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. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.



ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Help To Avoid Money Pit

ERA Justin Realty's June Incorvaia whose lifetime career has been serving buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties gives tips on avoiding the real estate money pit.

ERA Justin Realty Home Protection Plans Help To Avoid Money Pit

Everyone has his or her own "house story." The Sheffields' saga began just days after they moved into their new home and continued throughout the first year. The pool pump broke, the built-in vacuum stopped working, and most devastating, the air conditioning system ceased operating on the first day of the summer heat wave. Thereafter, the Sheffield home was nicknamed  "The Money Pit." 

Fortunately, the Sheffields' had the forethought to purchase a home protection plan from their ERA Realtor, which covered all or some of the costs of repairing or replacing the broken home components.

June Incorvaia ERA Justin Realtor salesperson said, “The Sheffields’ story repeats itself thousands of times a day across the country.  It is for that reason that ERA Justin Realty has the ERA Home Protection Plan program available for both our Buyers and Sellers.”

Incorvaia continued, “A home protection plan safeguards a Buyer or Seller from unexpected expenses when covered mechanical items break down. The ERA Buyer Protection Plan and Seller Protection Plan are fully administered and provide replacement coverage as well as comprehensive repair of major mechanical systems and appliances such as air conditioning, heating and electrical systems, interior plumbing, built-in appliances, water heaters and more, subject to a small deductible per service call.

For Sellers, a home protection plan adds interest to their home sale and protects them at a time when they would rather not make major investments in their property. It has been reported that on average, homes listed with a warranty sell more rapidly than homes listed without a home warranty. The ERA Protection Plan goes one step further by covering the Seller for up to six months provided that the Seller agrees to purchase the plan at a nominal fee for the Buyer. It's a win-win situation for the Seller having protection in place while the house is on the market for sale.

For Buyers in New Jersey, the ERA Protection Plan provides coverage generally for a year after the purchase on resale homes. Ask to see the most current home protection plan coverage agreement as it is subject to conditions, but comprehensive in scope for Buyers and Sellers.

If one considers that the most costly purchase in life is generally one's house, a home protection plan is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to insure oneself against the unexpected.

“There is a difference in real estate companies, and our ERA Protection Plans are perfect examples. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what a real estate consultant 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,” she added.

ERA Justin Realty proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2012 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’,  from  2,600 ERA real estate firms all across the nation. Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  ERA Real Estate was the recipient of ‘Highest Satisfaction for First Time Home Buyers Among Full Service Real Estate Firms.’ Award. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

The ERA Justin Realty full service real estate consultants 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 1000s of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is a difference in real estate companies and the ERA Justin Realty teams are involved in many charitable efforts within the communities each year. Giving back to the communities is what they do since being a Realtor of choice since 1950. Become a sponsor. Help youngsters with neuromuscular diseases in your community as they experience a week of fun and friendship they’ll never forget at summer camp. At MDA camp there’s always a need for volunteer counselors, medical staff, water safety instructors and activity coordinators. Be a volunteer or a sponsor by sending your tax deductible check made payable to MDA and mail it to MDA c/o ERA Justin Realty Co., 118 Jackson Avenue, Rutherford, New Jersey 07070.  If you have questions on this great program for the kids, call their office.

All of the ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view their real estate activity at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

Fixer Uppers a Reality for Buyers in Improving 2013 Real Estate Economy

Carol Darby, Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger broker co-owners with combined real estate knowledge and experience approaching 100 years gives this team the background to lead their ERA Justin Realtor salespersons to continuous success. The firm, a trusted name in real estate since 1950 suggests purchases of fixer uppers as good choices for the Fall 2013 market.

Fixer Uppers a Reality for Buyers in Improving 2013 Real Estate Economy

Several years ago when the housing market was mired in real estate recession, buyers shied away from houses that needed work. The buyers who weren't put off from buying completely were interested only in turnkey homes that were in move-in condition. ERA Justin Realty has worked within all real estate economic landscapes, is well versed, assists its buyers and sellers and has been your trusted name in real estate since 1950. As we enter the Fall 2013 market, there are many buying and selling opportunities for all.

Carol Darby, ERA Justin Realty broker co-owner offered, "It was risky for some buyers to buy a house that needed work. But now the housing market is recovering and buying a house to fix up seems more reasonable, and is happening. There are basically two types of  'fixer' buyers. One is the flipper who buys a house, spruces it up quickly and sells it at a profit. The goal is not to hold the property as an investment, but to find a buyer as soon as possible after the redo is complete.

Flippers should avoid buying houses that have major problems to remedy, which will eat into profits. A way to maximize profit and minimize carrying costs during the rehab period is to understand the lower price market and if possible buy with all cash. Buy in areas where employment and transportation are good so that you will have a pool of buyers for your product when it’s ready to sell."

Jennifer Darby Metzger, broker co-owner added, "Select the neighborhood. Is it conveniently located? Are houses selling quickly? What is the average days on market from list date to sale date? This information is critical to knowing how fast you can turn the property over to a new buyer. The other type of fixer buyers are those who buy for their own use. They do not intend to flip the property, but want to increase the value of the property over time while providing a roof over their heads. This type of buyer may be willing to pay more for a property than the flipper, but the price paid and the amount spent on improvements should be researched before making a purchase. Ask our ERA Justin Realty team for the sale price of recently sold houses in the neighborhood that were similar to the one you’re considering, but in much better condition. Be sure to review how much the renovations will cost."

Ron Darby, broker co-owner concluded, "Keep a close eye on the costs of your renovations while you’re working on the project. There’s always the temptation to improve more than you had intended once you see how good the improvements you have made look. Even though you’re improving the house for yourself, remember that you will be selling someday and hope for a profit on the time and money you invested. It’s a great time to buy at prices that were not possible at the peak of the market. Just make sure you know values for the neighborhood for a property that needs work. Fixer buyers who paid high prices at the peak of the last market cycle possibly didn't make a profit. The housing market has picked up and will hopefully continue to move in a positive direction. However, the house sale market is continually changing and varies from one location to the next.  A well-informed, level-headed approach is the best bet and our ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can provide you with information so you can make an informed decision."

There is a difference in real estate companies and the ERA Justin Realty broker owner's input makes that difference important. In fact, their buyers and sellers have put their reviews in writing about their Realtor salespersons. They have on file for the asking, 'Real Estate Results In Writing,' their report of nearly 800 quotes, testimonials and reviews from their buyers and sellers.

All of the ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue, by office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at their websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realty's Cutting Edge Technology for Buyers and Sellers for 2013

Margaret (Peggy) McLaughlin a long-term Realtor salesperson with ERA Justin Realty has been a market leader for decades with listings sold and sales through the firm.  She has achieved the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club Award for more than ten years of top production, recognizing her as one of the best-of-the-best throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties.

              

ERA Justin Realty's Cutting Edge Technology for Buyers and Sellers for 2013

Through the power of the Internet, ERA Justin Realty has reached heights with its buyer/seller international websites, viewed by multi-thousands of buyers and sellers each month.

Recognizing the power of the Internet, where approximately 85% of buyers begin their house search, ERA Justin Realty has made its property listings available through strong and productive on-line Internet services.

“We have developed two exclusive winning websites. Each has been a major success for us and a win-win success for our buyers and sellers,” cited Margaret (Peggy) McLaughlin a Rutherford resident and ERA Justin Realtor salesperson who has achieved the New Jersey Association of Realtors Distinguished Sales Club Award for more than ten years of top production, recognizing her as one of the best-of-the-best.

According to Peggy, “Our winning websites were developed to be user friendly and easy to find the information important to a buyer or seller  24 hours a day through both our ‘Our Featured Listings’ and ‘1000’s of Listings’ options. Choosing a single family, multi-family a condo or co-op?  Quick clicks and the information is on the screen with dozens of color photos, a custom virtual video tour and viewing information with instructions to set up a private showing or to inspect during our Open Houses. More quick clicks and one can read about our charitable efforts, community participation as well as information on schools, transportation and other valued information about our communities.”

It’s a comprehensive source of information about ERA Justin Realty and its services. The websites have been designed to provide home buyers and sellers with quick and simple ways to search property listings from anywhere in the world, and to learn helpful information about buying and selling a home. They also post their listings on more than fifty national websites for easy showing appointments.

“Properties listed are updated daily in order to provide current information, greater exposure for seller’s homes and better abilities for buyers to find their dream home online. After customers do their own fact-finding on our websites, they contact us because they value having one of our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals explain community services, growth, and transportation availabilities, provide local school reports and work closely with them in the purchasing process,” concluded Peggy.

Ron Darby, broker added,  “All across the ERA nation, a coveted award that we've achieved is the ‘Commitment to Excellence’ 2003-2012 award.  Only outstanding ERA entities are honored and receive this award from nearly 30,000 ERA brokers and agents. Our team of sales agents work to exceed buyer and seller expectations, and through our efforts this prestigious award has a home at our firm. Peggy is an important part of our participation.”

One can learn more and view the firm’s websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com. Reach all of the ERA Justin Realty sales professionals at either of their two Rutherford office locations at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone all can be reached at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. We want to be your Realtor.



Home Staging Before Selling

Fara Espandi, an ERA Justin Realty Realtor salesperson is a role model to many. Membership in all Multiple Listing Services for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties and a national relocation expert, her accomplishments are exceptional. She shares her expertise in home staging for those marketing their houses.

    

                        ERA Justin Realty Points the Way to Home Staging Before Selling

"Today some buyers are looking for turnkey homes. That is, they want to move right in without having to do a lot of work. Those buyers with busy lifestyles may be willing to pay more for listings that are in prime condition. Staging can make the difference between a listing selling or not, the time it takes to sell, and the ultimate sale price.

Sellers who are financially strapped often have a hard time accepting that they’ll need to invest in preparing a house for sale even though they may sell for less than they paid. Fix-up costs can mount up and our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals can help you prioritize so that you don’t waste money. It’s important to keep your goal in mind, which is to sell your house," stated Realtor salesperson, Fara Espandi.

Espandi continued, "A typical example which may repeat itself across the country is a house that may have come on the market in 'as is' condition. It may have been lived in for decades without much upgrading. Located in a residential area, this example listing being vacant, dark and showed poorly. The sellers chose not to do any work to improve its appeal.

After months on the market with no significant interest, the sellers took the house off the market and made improvements. The wall-to-wall carpet was pulled up to reveal hardwood floors that were then refinished. Painters lightened the interior and a stager assisted and suggested bringing in furniture, artwork, house plants and accessories. The listing was put back on the market with a fresh look and sold."

Jennifer Darby Metzger, ERA Justin Realty Broker co-owner added, "Although listings staged by our focused ERA Justin Realtor salespersons can show well and often sell quickly, you don’t need to spend a lot to put your home into shape for marketing. Many homeowners have too many personal possessions in their home from a sale standpoint. Decluttering is something many sellers need to do."

"Consider having someone to help you sort, pack, donate and recycle items that you no longer want. You may be able to take a tax deduction for things you donate. Make sure to get a receipt. Our Realtor salesperson should be able to recommend someone who can help you clear your house of clutter if you are overwhelmed by the project.  We can assist and provide many services. You may help the process by putting away collections of  personal photos, etc. This can be difficult for many sellers because, for them, it’s part of the emotional appeal of their home. Your house won't look like your home after you’ve removed personal possessions and moved what’s left around to display the house to its best advantage," added Metzger.

Espandi concluded, "That’s the point of the preparation process. You don’t want prospective buyers focusing on your personal property; you want them to focus on the house. Keep in mind that how you live in your home and how it should look when it goes on the market are not the same. Some sellers might say that their house looks too stark without all their possessions. Even so, it helps you to detach yourself emotionally from the property. Also, less personal property usually gives homes a more spacious feel. When buyers are looking for the most for their money, bigger is usually better."

 There is a difference in real estate companies. ERA Justin Realty buyers and sellers have put their thoughts in writing for your viewing in their, ‘What people are saying’ report of over 700 quotes and reviews. The firm has been a Realtor of choice to thousands since 1950 when they first opened their office.

 The ERA Justin Realty full service Realtor salespersons with staging capabilities 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  winning search websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.