ERA Justin Realtor professional Carol D. Calamari shares 2012 Tips for dressing  your house for a good showing. A Realtor professional with the firm and coming from a television background with an Emmy win, her knowledge brings important information to her buyers and sellers. The firm has a strong real estate presence throughout Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties

 

ERA Justin Realty 2012 Tips on Dressing Your House For a Good Showing

 

As we enter the 2012 fall real estate season, buyers and sellers know that it is a very different market and preparing perfectly means success or failure in their transactions.

 As important a landmark as buying a home is in people’s lives, you'd be surprised at how much of it can turn on snap decisions. If you’re selling a house you'll have to put careful thought into customers’ first impressions, because many sales will be made or lost before they reach the front door – or as soon as they walk through it.

ERA Justin Realty’s Carol D. Calamari offers a menu of possible ‘first impression’ areas that an owner may want to consider.  “First consider curb appeal – the feeling customers get from the upkeep of the house and grounds, and how comfortable this makes them imagining themselves as a resident. You want to do everything you can to make them see your house as their home, both outside and in.  A new paint job is an investment that should more than pay for itself if the budget permits, and neat landscaping – trimmed shrubs, new flowers – puts your prospective buyers in just the right frame of mind. Inside, kitchens and bathrooms should be in sparkling condition – these rooms are known to be what makes up many home-seekers’ minds. Removal of odors like pet smells and smoke will lessen distractions for customers you want focusing on your home’s possibilities, and clearing of clutter is crucial.

The less belongings you have crowding your rooms and closets, the bigger the home will appear, and the easier it will be for potential buyers to envision placing their own possessions there. Put some things in storage if you need to, or hold a garage sale to help cut down on some of the build-up you were going to clear out for moving anyway (just hold it before buyers can see the piles on your lawn).  For buyers picturing themselves in your home, it’s also good to present the house in as general taste as possible – personal memorabilia, collectibles, and eccentric wall colors and furnishings should go out with the clutter. Repainting rooms in a neutral white also helps convey the sense of spaciousness.  Clean windows, fresh flowers, and other small details with big impact – they're what you want to remember. From major improvements to subtle touches that tip the scales in your favor, the features of a house that we often take for granted can be the ones that determine your home selling success. According to the National Association of Realtors^®, curb appeal alone accounts for half of all home sales.”

Calamari continued, “A little effort now saves you a lengthy process later. First impressions will expedite the sale, through the services of your ERA Justin qualified Realtor^® and will make it all the surer. One of our ERA qualified professionals can guide you in all the above matters and more, from supplying a checklist of presentation tips, to recommending affordable painting contractors from his or her industry connections, to helping you stage the furniture. Whatever it takes, we can give you confidence that, for some buyer soon, the showing of your home should be love at first sight.  We also will provide a 2012 home market analysis  (CMA) with information in determining the true value of a house and the right asking price. In the end, however, the homeowner should decide on a price that he or she feels is competitive and consistent with the price at which other houses in the area have sold. Our CMA report for our Sellers is truly comprehensive in all aspects.  Complete with color photos and detailed information, it make pricing easier for those planning a sale.  Truly, there is a difference in real estate companies, and our details will make the difference. We ask Buyers and Sellers to compare.  We believe that in order to exceed expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, we don’t offer just real estate basics, we try to be as comprehensive as possible.  In that way, we know that our Buyers and Sellers will hold us all in the highest regard.”

ERA Justin Realty has proudly received the prestigious ERA global 2003-2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’, selected from approximately 30,000 ERA real estate agents and brokers across the ERA world.  Only outstanding business entities are honored and receive it.  Ask to see 'Real Estate Results in Writing' our published report of over 700 written reviews of our company services. For these reasons ERA Justin Realty should be your buying and selling Realtor of choice.

For more information on CMA's and dressing your house for a good showing, consumers can reach the ERA Justin Realty sales team at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue or 57 Park Avenue. By phone at (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional real estate information is also available at the firms 1000's of homes websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS 2012 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Ron Darby and Jennifer Darby Metzger with a history of real estate successes for their firm, their Realtor agents and their buyers and sellers have processed thousands of transactions as leaders in the regional real estate markets. They offer career opportunities to experienced, newly licensed and those individuals wanting a career change. ERA Justin Realty is noted as the-company-on the-grow and the company in-the-know.

ERA JUSTIN REALTY OFFERS 2012 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

How many careers exist today that involves helping people achieve their lifelong dream? According to Ron Darby, a leading real estate broker for nearly 45 years and co-owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Real estate agents help make dreams come true every day.”

Ron Darby speaks from great experience. He has hired, trained and guided agents to success hundreds of times. Many ERA Justin Realty agents have been with him for decades, with greater earnings than at many area real estate firms. He continued, “As real estate trends change, as agents commission needs change, our management team headed by Jennifer Darby Metzger listens and works closely with our agents. In fact, ERA Justin Realty has one of the strongest commission structures for agents in the region, once again bringing our firm to the forefront in earnings. We also give our agents a strong buyer base potential with creative advertising in South Bergen County. Full color page advertising of our listings in the weekly newspapers bring an abundance of potential buyers to our agents while giving our sellers more marketing exposure. Our ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ benefit package is not obtainable at other firms. We proudly have a major market share, internal training programs and a superior level of support as requested by our agents.”

Darby’s career began as sales manager of K Realty where he focused and built that brand into a successful 5 office firm with two Rutherford offices, including offices in Lyndhurst, North Arlington and a South Jersey office location serving Stafford Township and Long Beach Island. From the Stafford Township office he was responsible for construction of nearly 200 custom single and multi-family dwellings. After a decade he chose to retire briefly, only to be encouraged by Justin Tokarski, founder of Justin Realty to form a partnership to duplicate the success he created at K Realty.

He added, “I had known of Justin’s impeccable real estate reputation as a broker and past mayor of Rutherford. He called me month after month asking for a meeting, but I was enjoying my new freedom. Finally, accepting his invitation for lunch, we agreed that I join him, and the rest is history. Today, thirty-two years later, ERA Justin Realty is a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide from approximately 30,000 ERA agents and brokers. They are also the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award achieving it from 2003-2012 globally. For these reasons, agents both newly licensed and experienced men and women who join us have the potential to begin strong earnings immediately. Our agent ‘Winning Edge Teammate Advantage’ commission benefit package has been structured so agents have a sense of pride in receiving strong earnings and other benefits which they deserve in this new age of real estate.”

Continuing, Metzger said, “We are proud to be part of these achievements. Our team of Realtor professionals work to exceed buyer and seller expectations. Continuing to grow, we are offering those who want a successful career in real estate to phone for a confidential conversation. Give us a few minutes and we’ll give you a rewarding lifetime career. To learn more call (201) 939-7500 or view our career opportunity website at www.NorthJerseyRealEstateCareers.com. ”

Grace Tirrito a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty resides in Lyndhurst where a large part of her real estate listings and sales are prominent, as is Rutherford and other Bergen County communities. A career professional with decades of successful sales and sold listings, she offers with humor, one of our less favorite tasks.

 

                ERA Justin Realty Report:  Fall Selling with Humor. Ready, Get Set, Toss

 

ERA Justin Realty’s Realtor Grace Tirrito offers tips with a smile in getting those closets ready for the sale of your house. “For many, we hardly want to think about closets, but the day is nearing, hour by hour. When Grace arranges for an open house or appointment, you will no doubt make sure everything is tidy and clean. The dishes are put away, beds made, litter box cleaned. But, what about your closets?   Storage is a number one priority with home buyers. They want to make sure they have a place to put their stuff. Will your closets prove to be a selling point?
Ready? Here's how it goes. You get a phone call. Friends are dropping by for a few minutes, so you put everything into the closet - toys, coats and whatever. When your guests leave, you swear you will get to it tomorrow. Sometimes, tomorrow never comes. After a while, it becomes hard to close the door and you do not remember what is in there. It is now time to de-clutter and de-stress.
Everyone loves lots of closet space. Closets are where we keep clothing, shoes, and storage for seasonal items, sports equipment, linens and the endless supply of home necessities. The problem is it can become an 'out of sight, out of mind' issue. Since these things reside behind a closed door, they do not get much thought until the day we absolutely have to have that one thing in the very back.
It is not going to go away by itself, so take time to tackle it head on and get organized. Allow lots of time for this task. You probably won't be able to get through it in a day or even a weekend. Remember, it took you a long time to accumulate these items. You cannot expect to clean them all out in a few hours. You might want to tackle this chore in chunks of time, allowing a few weekends to get totally through the process.
You will find yourself agonizing over many decisions. The rule is, if you haven't worn it for 2 years, toss it. If it is a gift that Aunt Emma gave you 5 years ago and something you will never use, give it away. (Just don't tell Aunt Emma.) Pretend to yourself you are moving to smaller quarters, and you can only take the things you truly love. If you are having trouble, enlist the help of a friend who can be relentless.
Begin with clothing and shoes. Most of us keep favorites around far too long. 'I'm sure I can get back into that dress soon.' It only takes up valuable space in your home. Donate it to a charity. There is someone out there who will put your items to good use.
Think about your lifestyle as you are making these choices. Maybe your former employment was in an office and you needed to wear suits every day. Your current employment is a more casual job and your attire now reflects this attitude. Keep your favorite two suits and take the others to a second hand store or give them away. Retain clothing that works for your current way of living, not how you used to live.
Place everything in piles: (1) Keepers; (2) Maybes or Yard Sale; and (3) Donations. It might also help to obtain some of the organized storage available for closets. These are especially useful for those small items such as ties and belts. Everything will be neater and you will be able to find things quicker.
Toys and seasonal items are a little more difficult. If the kids have outgrown those old skates, pass them down to a friend. Holiday decorations can tug at your heartstrings, but if they are broken or no longer hold their luster, out they should go.  If you cannot bear to part with them, pack them in a storage box. By the time the de-cluttering is finished you should have room left over. Books, toys and clothing that is going to a charity should be boxed up or placed in plastic bags. If you are considering a yard sale, try to tag as you go along.
When you start sorting through paperwork, promise yourself to handle each piece only once. Papers that belong to other family members should be sorted and then handed over to that individual. Control newspaper and magazine pile-up by vowing to discard each issue by the time the next one arrives. On Sunday, Saturday's paper goes out whether or not it has been read. The same thing goes for magazines. Some offices or charities are happy to have them, especially hospital waiting rooms. As for regular bills, they can be organized with a portable file box.”
“There is a difference in real estate companies,” Grace continued, “Presenting consumer information, we believe, is in order to exceed sellers expectations of what ERA Justin Realty is about, as we don’t offer just the basics.    In that way, we know that our sellers will hold us in the highest regard.  Our sellers have put their thoughts in writing. We have on file for the asking, ‘What people are saying’ our report of over 700 quotes and testimonials from our sellers and buyers many seen in our television commercials. No other area real estate firm offers that.  Are we proud?  Absolutely!”

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

ERA Justin Report: Markets suggest now is the time to buy a home

ERA Justin Realtor professional Glenn Elliot with decades of real estate experience explains why fall 2012 is a great time to buy, with proper assistance. His focus to the industry has given him a legacy as a market leader in area communities of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson Counties. Glenn services Fortune-500 buyers and sellers in their transactions.

ERA Justin Report: Markets suggest now is the time to buy a home

What is the most important things a seller should look for when hiring a real estate agent to sell their house? How many houses has the agency sold and closed in the town in which they are located? Is it the size of the company they are licensed with? Details of their  marketing program? Their years experience in the business?

There are many things that should be taken into consideration when hiring someone and giving them the responsibility for selling your home. According to ERA Justin Realty Broker Realtor Glenn Elliot with decades of areas successes, "With information from the well respected KCM group, we agree these things are needed to be known and in our opinion, one of the most important questions you can ask a potential listing agent is a simple one. Do you truly believe that now is a good time to buy a home?

Why should this matter when hiring someone to sell your home? Although buyers are back, they do have questions about purchasing right now. They want to know they are making an intelligent choice. We believe, especially in today’s market, you need to hire someone who realizes that this is one of the best times in American real estate history to buy. If an agent doesn't believe that, how will they be able to convey this to a potential buyer to buy your home?

When interviewing a real estate professional, ask them to explain why purchasing a home makes sense today. They should be able to explain it simply and effectively."

Glenn continued, "These positive quotes recently were noted." The Wall Street Journal  stated: “With home sales starting to improve, and with prices now possibly forming a bottom, real estate could well be the asset class that represents the best low-risk buying opportunity out there today.” Donald Trump said, “I’m pretty sure this is a great time to go out and buy a house. And if you do, in 10 years you’re going to look back and say, ‘You know, I‘m glad I listened to Donald Trump’. John Paulson, a multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius who made a killing betting against housing a few years ago, is now bullish on residential real estate market. He recently said," If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one. If you own two homes, buy a third. And, lend your relatives the money to buy a home.” These may be over simplifications, but a recent Gallup Poll showed that 67% of American’s think that now is a ‘good time’ to buy a home. The Gallup Organization went on to say, “Overall, there is good reason for most Americans to think now is a good time to buy a house. Interest rates remain near historic lows. Home prices are down sharply, providing many incredible buys.”

According to Ron Darby Broker Co-owner, “We work with our agents each day to help them achieve the goals of their buyers and sellers, and  the fall 2012 season is just in front of us.  In a constant changing real estate industry we invite new agents to join us. We want them to have the education needed for success. Opportunities are just a  phone call away."

 

Glenn continued, “We stress stability, a necessity for success in this new world of real estate. We also provide buyer potential with stronger area advertising than any other real estate firm in South Bergen County.  Two full color page advertisements of our listings in The South Bergenite brings an abundance of potential buyers to our agents for their buyers while giving our sellers strong marketing exposure.  We proudly are considered a real estate market leader by thousands of sellers and buyers and hope to be the Realtor of choice to thousands more in the upcoming years."

ERA Justin Realty is once again honored as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide and is the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award from 2003 through 2011.  .

Glenn concluded, “To learn more, phone us or view our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com." ERA Justin Realty operates two state-of-the-art Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD." 

ERA Justin Realty Fundraiser for MDA Camp for Kids and Telethon Presentation

ERA Justin Realty's top MDA fundraisers Al Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger are filmed for their Muscular Dystrophy check presentation for the MDA Labor Day Telethon. On hand sharing the experience is ERA's Gene Amsel.

ERA Justin Realty Fundraiser for MDA Camp for Kids and Telethon Presentation

The setting for the ERA Muscular Dystrophy 2012 fundraising effort recently culminated during the filming of ERA Justin Realty's check presentation of over $22,000. for the firm and the ERA Brokers of New Jersey.  The filmed presentation will be shown during the MDA Labor Day Telethon.

Ron Darby, Broker, and the ERA New Jersey Chairman for MDA introduced Al Rottini and Jennifer Darby Metzger for their efforts in leading the team fundraising efforts. The firm spearheads the efforts for MDA in this lifesaving mission.

Al stated, “ERA Justin Realty and our teams of Realtor professionals focused and succeeded in an outstanding fundraising effort in sending area MDA children to summer camp. It will culminate on the MDA Labor Day Telethon when Jennifer and I will present a combined check from our firm and the ERA Brokers of New Jersey of over $22,000, used toward the kids summer camp program.”

Jennifer continued,  “Our ERA Justin teammates spent time at summer camp with the kids.  At that moment, one can see how rewarding it is to participate.  We spent the day working with the kids in their arts and crafts projects, viewed their games and activities and enjoyed their varied conversations.  Each year MDA supports some 90 summer camps across the country. Whether in Alaska or Hawaii, in California or New Jersey, at MDA camp barriers simply don’t exist. A child with a disability can just be a child among friends. MDA camp is a magical place offering a wide range of activities specially designed for young people who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. MDA camp programs, although structured, are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere that gives campers an unmatched opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, share interests and build self-confidence. Activities range from outdoor sports such as swimming, boating, baseball and horseback riding to less physically demanding programs like arts and crafts and talent shows. Thousands of youngsters attend MDA camp each year at no cost to their families.”

 For their efforts, ERA Justin Realty was recently inducted into the President’s Club of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Al concluded “We are requesting all of our area residents who would like to become involved in MDA fundraising for our continuing MDA Summer Camp  program to reach us at our offices.  We are anxious to have as much help as possible.   We, and all of our ERA Justin Realty full service Realtors can be reached at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  More MDA information can be found on our website, www.ERAJustin.com.”

How Accessibility Features Can Serve Homeowners of All Ages and Abilities

Fara Espandi a Realtor professional with ERA Justin Realty offers accessibility features suggestions to home buyers and sellers. Her services include single, multi and commercial business purchases and leasing. 

 

 How Accessibility Features Can Serve Homeowners of All Ages and Abilities

We all need a helping hand from time to time, but prefer to remain as independent as possible. Accessible features in a home are a way of lending ourselves a hand, and staying in our own house for much longer than we otherwise might.

“As more members of the baby boom generation, which comprises the largest segment of America’s population reach retirement age, many of them show a preference for aging in place, in their own homes rather than moving to traditional assisted living communities. This trend has created more interest in the designing and retrofitting of homes for maximum ease of use. Heightened awareness of the needs of disabled people of all ages, and increased legislative attention to their rights, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have also helped drive a trend which can benefit all home buyers,” stated ERA Justin Realtor professional Fara Espandi.

What has come to be called 'Universal Design' is a set of standards for making every house a welcoming home for inhabitants of all ability levels. These include placing light switches and thermostats low enough, and electrical outlets high enough, for anyone to reach; outfitting hallways with railings and showers with grab-bars and stools; replacing doorknobs with levers; offering ramps as well as stairs, and doorways that can accommodate wheelchairs; and minimizing falling risks through secure, low-pile carpeting. Attitudes and demographics have changed, and Universal Design is now considered a resale advantage. This potential extra salability can be achieved through minimal effort and expense. For instance, in many cases a room can be made wheelchair-accessible simply by changing the direction of a swinging door.

Fara continued, “The ease of doing this, and the popularity with potential home buyers, makes it equally desirable to build a new home with these considerations, or to retrofit an existing home with them, using simple methods that enhance convenience and are common sense for all homeowners. Talk to one of our Realtor professionals about accessible-home options in any area where you may be interested in buying.  He or she can also assist about financing opportunities and other ways to keep your path to secure home ownership a clear one.”

ERA Justin Realty, a leading area Realtor brokerage serving Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex Counties is a Top-100 ERA office of the global real estate network had been named the recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Award for 'Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.' 

This marks the second time that ERA Real Estate had received an award from this prestigious organization, previously receiving the 'Highest Overall Satisfaction For First Time Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.'  The awards were from a study based on responses from 4,834 home buyers and sellers surveyed by J.D. Power and Associates.

Fara concluded, “To learn more about ERA Justin Realty, our Realtor professionals and our award-recognized programs and services we provide, call at either of our two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD. Also view 1000's of homes at our websites at www.ERAJustin.com and www.ERAJustinRealty.com.

ERA Justin Realtors have processed thousands of real estate transactions as strong area leaders since opening their doors in 1950.  Collectively they have over 250 years of real estate knowledge and experience to share with their buyers and sellers.

ERA Justin Realty Achieves Dreams for Buyers and Sellers

and Share Collective Realtor Knowledge

How many careers exist today that involves helping people achieve their lifelong dream.  According to broker owners Ron Darby, Jennifer Darby Metzer and Carol Darby, coaches and management team to their staff,  “Our ERA Justin Realty sales professionals make dreams come true every day. Imagine how satisfied they feel every time they help a buyer find a home.  They feel as rewarded today as they did when first entering real estate, some many decades ago, through their association with ERA Justin Realty.”

According to Cathy Vick with the firm for nearly 30 years, "Since 1950 ERA Justin Realty has been on the cutting edge of top service to the community, both in listings and sales as well as their participation in charitable events." 

Our slogan, There is a difference in real estate companies carries a strong message, as our management and Realtors at our firm work to exceed buyer and seller expectations.  We prove it each day when one looks at our awards, activities, successful sales and our charitable events, all listed on our website, www.ERAJustin.com," added 20 year veteran Glenn Elliot.

Grace Tirrito with ERA Justin Realty for approximately 16 years said, "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. 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.”

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Jennifer Darby Metzger added, “Other Realtor professionals with our firm achieving up to 15 years include Carol Calamari, Fara Espandi, John Boguszewski, June Incorvaia, Kristen Davis, Michelle Korosy, Peggy McLaughlin and Rosemarie Zembryski. Those achieving up to 5 years include Al Rottini, Adrian Tridel, Dan Weiner, Ed Bulger, Justin Fung, Karen Kelly, Ligia Gerges, Mary Iannaccone, Sal Macri, Soila Columbe and Terry Mertens. Repeat and referral business is a mainstay of our firm.  Throughout these decades all of our sales professionals have built a solid base of buyers and sellers as well as their children and grand children. Their production records speaks clearly.  Collectively they have approximately 250 years of real estate knowledge and experience to share. Their success history is well told. Letters of recommendation are on file at our office and are all available when you call upon them to fulfill your real estate needs.  They work to 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.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Read more about their sales professionals and view 1000's of homes at their website at www.ERAJustin.com.”  

 

Because of our daily priorities, we proudly received the prestigious ERA world-wide 2003 through 2011 ‘Commitment to Excellence' premier award. We were selected from the vast 30,000 global ERA agent base," said 16 year career Realtor, Ilene Harpuder.