Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

Home Maintenance Tasks While At Home

While most of us are spending more time at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a good chance to take care of our homes. Just like an automobile needs regular maintenance to keep it running well and prevent major problems, a home also needs regular attention.

Monika Aptacy, Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares some DIY tasks you can do to keep expensive repair costs down and prolong the life of your home.

Clean Away Dirt From Refrigerator Coils

Most refrigerators have a series of coils that are located either near the bottom or along the back of the refrigerator. If the coils become clogged, it can cause some serious troubles and can cause the machine to stop working completely. Vacuum to clean off the coils twice a year to keep them clean and working efficiently.

Get Rid of Sediment in The Water Heater

The water that pumps through a water heater contains sediment. Over time, the sediment can build up at the bottom of the heater and can form a hot spot, causing the water heater to fail. This can be avoided by simply removing the sediment once a year. 

Clean The Dryer Vent

The accumulation of the lint can clog up the entire dryer vent and lead to a fire. To clean out the duct, simply disconnect it from the dryer and use a vacuum to remove the lint. A flapper can be easily cleaned with a paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner.

 

Check For Water Around The Base of Toilets

The presence of water in the wrong places can be a sign of major issues, like a worn toilet seal. Look for puddles of water around the base of all toilets at least once every other month.

If you spot any presence of water, ask a plumber to inspect before the issue becomes too serious.

Keep The Gutters Clean

While gutters seem to go unnoticed, they have a major responsibility to collect water and push it away from the home’s foundation. This keeps the foundation strong and allows the home to withstand the elements. Faulty gutters can lead to serious foundational problems that are extremely expensive to repair. Keep them debris free and ensure all are properly attached to the house. 

Avoid Drafts From Windows And Doors

Faulty windows and doors can allow too much air in from the outside. It can also allow too much heat from the home to escape during winter months and the cool air during hotter temperatures. Inspect the caulk around the windows once a year and reapply where needed. Apply new weatherstripping around doors to make them air-tight.

Test Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A smoke detector, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, can save your life. Make sure the equipment is ready to do its job by performing regular tests. Every month do a test on the detectors to see if they are working properly. Replace the batteries every 6 months, without fail.

 

Clean Out Sink Drains

Exposing your plumbing drains to harsh chemicals can lead to wear and tear over time. While the chemicals are good for getting rid of a clog, a better alternative is to routinely flush out the drains with natural ingredients. Baking soda and vinegar are the safe choice. Flush with hot water once it sits for a few minutes.

By setting up a schedule to handle these tasks periodically, you can maintain the function of your home and continue to enjoy your biggest asset. 

If you are looking for real estate buying or selling tips, contact Monika or any of our experienced real estate agents at ERA Justin. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

Downsizing Your Home

It’s not unusual to downsize to a smaller home at one point or another. Whether you’ve decided to eliminate debt from your life, or an empty nester looking for fewer maintenance requirements, or are just simply wanting a small space, one thing is inevitable when it’s time to downsize: You will have to get rid of some of your stuff. This is somewhat bittersweet, but you get a chance to go through all of your belongings and determine what truly needs to make the trip to your new destination in life.

Mary Iannaccone, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, shares some tips for downsizing. “Being an experienced Real Estate Agent for many years, I’ve worked with many families wanting to downsize. I tell them all the same thing: ‘People often look around at everything that's taking up space in their homes and feel discouraged. But if you take it in little bites, downsizing is manageable. Commit to 15 minutes a day for sorting: clean out one drawer in your desk; go through your handbags; toss outdated food and spices in your pantry.” A little bit goes a long way and gives you the motivation to keep going.

List it or Leave it
The first step to downsizing is to make a list of the things you absolutely need. Items that don’t make the cut shouldn’t come to your new house. It is important to do this at least three to four months prior to the move to ensure you have an ample amount of time to go through your items and think about whether or not you need them.

Sort and Sell
Once you have determined the things not coming to your new house, you can start getting rid of them. This can be a difficult task, as your items will have different values and varying degrees of wear and tear. Grab three boxes and label them for selling, donating, or throwing out.

Compare New Rooms with Current Rooms that Have Similar Dimensions
It can be hard to determine how much room you will actually have when downsizing. Get the dimensions of each room in your new house and compare it to rooms in your current house that have similar dimensions. This gives you the opportunity to see what kind of space you’re working with, and more importantly, what furniture will fit in your new downsized home.

De-Clutter Your Kitchenware
If you are an empty nester, there is truly no need for ten mixing bowls and seven spatulas when you move into your new house. Narrow down your bowls, plates, forks, and spoons to reasonable amounts.

Target the Garage
Depending on the kind of home you’re downsizing to, you may not need a lot of the items in the garage. For instance, if your new condo handles lawn maintenance and snow removal, you can get rid of the shovels, lawn mower, and possibly even the ladder. Determine what tasks will be taken over by someone else when you make the move and sell any equipment you no longer need.

Downsizing your home can be an emotional task. "We endow things with meaning. That's why they become important to us. But if everything is important, then nothing is special," says Iannaccone. Try to select just a few prized pieces to use, wear or keep and donate the rest. "Your heart can never be too full, but your house can be," Mary continues. Follow these tips to de-clutter and reorganize your belongings as you head into a new chapter in your life.

To help you downsize to the next property in your life, contact Mary, or any of our experienced real estate agents. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company for over 50 years. Call 201.939.7500.

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.

RON DARBY INDUCTED IN ERA HALL OF FAME

RON DARBY INDUCTED IN ERA HALL OF FAME

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, ERA Real Estate inducted Broker of Record for ERA Justin Realty, Ronald A. Darby into the ERA Hall of Fame. Established in 2013, the ERA Hall of Fame honors affiliated individuals and companies who have consistently earned high levels of recognition and have made contributions and lasting impact on the culture of real estate and history of the ERA brand over the decades.

Ron’s career began in 1961 as sales manager of K Realty where he focused and built that brand into a successful 5 office firm with two Rutherford offices, plus offices in Lyndhurst, North Arlington and a South Jersey office location serving Stafford Township and Long Beach Island. In 1972, from the Stafford Township office, Ron was responsible in purchasing individual and multiple building lots where they built nearly 200 custom single- and multi-family dwellings in Beach Haven West and Ocean Acres.

Ron was later encouraged by Justin Tokarski, founder of Justin Realty, to form a partnership to duplicate the success he created at K Realty. In 1980, a few years after joining Justin Realty, Ron joined the ERA Franchise and the company became ERA Justin Realty. 35 years later, “ERA Justin Realty is one of the most successful one-office firms in the ERA network,” according to Sherry Chris, President and CEO of ERA Real Estate.

Ron’s passion for real estate, and his love for the community is what is admired most. Ron has been a mentor to many and has seen the success of his agents through the years, particularly with his daughter and partner, Jennifer Darby Metzger. “Ron has always been a true inspiration and role model to me, not only as a business partner, but as a father,” Metzger says. “I feel very fortunate to learn this craft from a true pioneer in the business. I contribute much of my success and tenacity through his teachings and guidance throughout my life. I feel truly blessed”.

“I am very humbled to be given this honor”, Darby says. “Being a part of the ERA Franchise has been an amazing partnership through the years. They say when you love what you do, it’s not work. That’s why after being in this business for over 50 years, I’m still ‘working’. It’s a part of life for me.”

ERA Justin Realty has been serving the Rutherford and neighboring communities for over 50 years. We are your area’s Full Service & Experienced Real Estate Company. Contact one of our experienced Real Estate Professionals at 201.939.7500 to help guide you through the real estate transaction and see why We are ERA, Better In Every Way.

The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

 

The Benefit of Changing Your Air Filters Regularly

Air filters are a central, but often overlooked basic home maintenance task. Getting the most value out of your home can be as easy as changing out your air filters. Homeowners that ignore the filters in their heating and air conditioning systems risk higher energy costs, damaging expensive equipment, and diminishing indoor air quality and personal health.

So, why is changing your air filter so important? Cristina Munoz shares why changing your air filter regularly will benefit you in the long run. Cristina states, “First of all, a clogged air filter can cause extensive damage to your system. There are many particles floating in the air around us at the microscopic level such as flakes of skin, pet dander, and residue from cooking, to name just a few.” If you check your air filter’s condition regularly, you ensure the longevity of your system — saving yourself thousands in possible repair and replacement costs. Dirt and neglect are one of the leading causes of heating and cooling systems failing, yet such failure is completely avoidable.

Secondly, changing the air filter in your system ensures cleaner, fresher, healthier air. This is better for everyone in your home, particularly children and the elderly, and most especially for those suffering from allergies and/or asthma. In referring to the latter, a clean air filter means you are not constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen and the other small particles in the air. Instead, your system will be able to purify the air, leaving it clean and healthy.

Thirdly, aside from protecting the HVAC system from unnecessary damage, cleaning out or changing a clogged air filter will also save you a significant amount on operating costs. In simplest terms, a dirty air filter uses much more energy than a new, clean air filter, which means a much higher electricity bill for you.

To the above point on energy wastage, failing to clean and replace your air filter on a regular basis is failing the environment. An air filter that is clogged means a harder working HVAC system, thus it also means a lot of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases, by extension being released. Going green and running your home in an eco-friendly manner need not necessarily mean bending over backwards and giving up all forms of comfort. Something as simple as changing an air filter regularly can go a long way in making a difference.

If you want to keep the air in your home clean and avoid unnecessary repairs, consider replacing your air filters every 30 to 90 days, with the former being preferable and the latter being the absolute maximum you should allow between changes.

Cristina Munoz is a seasoned Real Estate Sales Professional with ERA Justin Realty. To reach out to Cristina or any of our real estate professionals to discuss any of your real estate needs, call us at 201.939.7500.

ERA Justin Realty’s First Quarter LEADERS Award Winners Offer Tips During this Economy

ERA Justin Realty’s First Quarter LEADERS Award Winners Offer Tips During this Economy

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

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

And now more than ever, during these times of uncertainty, these agents are here for their customers. We asked these successful agents what they would like to tell their current customers --or their future
customers--during this time about selling or looking for a home. And here is what they said.

• Homes are still selling, the industry is just operating differently. If you’re still interested in selling your home, there are options that are available to help you do so, all following the rules set forth by the CDC and the National Association of Realtors.
• You can use this time to get your home ready for sale.  Repair what you can. De-clutter and get rid of anything you are not taking with you. Refresh your home by painting, changing old doorknobs, buying new couch pillows. Whatever you do, you will always be adding value and putting yourself in a better position for your home to stand out above the rest when the pandemic is over. 
• Don’t panic, this is only temporary. People always have to move for jobs, school, growing families, downsizing. The lull in activity is temporary and the market will return.
• If you’re going to sell now, be flexible and be ready to negotiate. Sellers need to be flexible about the price, they need to be patient because the buying process may take longer, and they need to be ready to negotiate with any interested parties.
• Plan now so you are ready later. If you do have questions or need advice, now is the time to reach out to a real estate professional. Get all of your questions down on paper—from how to start the process to what’s involved. Being fully educated on the expectations of the real estate transaction will help the process go a lot smoother when you are ready.

“We are proud of these top-notch agents, who, first and foremost, are here for our community,” adds Darby Metzger. “This too shall pass, and when it does, our office, and our stellar agents will be here to serve you.” To connect with any of our real estate professionals, call 201.939.7500.

Creating An Eco-Friendly Home

The time couldn’t be better to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Think renewable, recyclable and reclaimed as you strive to create an eco-friendly home. Michelle Korosy, Realtor Sales Associate with ERA Justin Realty shares some conscious design tips to show you how to make your home earth-friendly and lovely.

Choose Eco-Friendly Wood Floors 

When opting for wood floors, choose living-green flooring, such as bamboo, cork or reclaimed wood. Bamboo flooring is formed from the stalks of sustainable bamboo plants; the surface is easily maintained, moderately priced and highly durable. Sound-absorbent, moisture-resistant and cushy, cork flooring is crafted from a renewable resource; only the outer bark of cork trees is used in its production, which means trees are left standing for future harvests. 

Decorate Your Space With Houseplants

Houseplants—whether hanging in a window, set atop a table or standing tall in a corner—perform as living sculptures that filter out airborne toxins, add welcome humidity to heated rooms, emit oxygen and improve a home’s overall air quality. 

Remodel Wisely 

When updating your kitchen or bath, choose eco-friendly surfaces and furnishings to bring contemporary vibes and timeless character. Look for cabinets constructed of sustainable woods, like bamboo or eucalyptus, or keep your old cabinets out of the landfill and “upcycle” them with paint. For countertops, look at items that are crafted of recycled glass, as well as concrete, quartz and butcher-block types made from reclaimed wood or bamboo.

Freshen The Walls

Perk up a room with eco-friendly paints and wallpapers that won’t adversely affect your home’s interior air quality. Shop for zero- or low-VOC-emission paints, wallpapers, stains, caulks and adhesives. 

Insulate

When you think of insulation, the color pink probably comes to mind. But as it turns out, insulation can be green, as in earth-friendly, too! To make your house more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, look for fiberglass insulation alternatives, such as sheep’s wool, aerogel, Thermacork, polystyrene, cellulose, icynene, and even denim!

 

Support The Locals

Check Craigslist, Etsy, and social media sites for nearby artisans, woodworkers, potters and similar who offer eco-friendly decorative items like furnishings, artworks and accessories. By shopping locally for handcrafted items, you eliminate energy expenditures involved in long-distance shipping and can strengthen the town’s economy. 

Shop Secondhand

One person’s trash could be your finest going-green treasure. You will never know what you will find! Shop thrift stores, estate sales and online auctions for eco-friendly home décor. Relying on existing objects to round out your decor will greatly impact what’s (not) going into landfills.

The eco-friendly style of home is growing in desirability and will always be a smart choice. By investing in a more eco-friendly home, you won’t just be helping the environment during the building or remodeling process, but throughout the life of the home. To help in the search for your future home, contact Michelle Korosy or any of our Sales Professionals at 201.939.7500.