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Laura McCarthy • Selling a home • winter home selling • winter selling • January 12, 2023

Winter Home Selling Checklist

by ERA Justin

Selling a home in Winter isn’t the same as selling in Spring. You can’t just plant some new flowers or open the windows to let in a refreshing breeze and the sounds of chirping birds. 

 

But, there are several things you can do to make your home warm and welcoming in the colder months.

 

Here is a checklist:


Make It Inviting

  • Pull up all the blinds and open the curtains wide to let in sunshine.
  • Check all lightbulbs. Replace as needed.
  • Take down personal photos and items. “Allow homebuyers to imagine themselves in your home,” says Laura McCarthy, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.
  • Fix anything broken.
  • Give rooms a clear purpose. “This could mean rearranging furniture. Invest in professional staging if necessary,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin.

 

Show You Care

  • Clean baseboards and vents thoroughly.
  • Vacuum, mop, and sweep floors.
  • Declutter everywhere. “A clear countertop goes a long way,” says McCarthy.
  • Organize cabinets & closets
  • Touch up any scuffs on the wall using paint or a Magic Eraser sponge.

 

Boost Curb Appeal

  • Powerwash outdoor surfaces.
  • Clean the windows inside & out.
  • Tidy up the landscaping. 
  • Sweep patios, decks & walkways.
  • Freshen up your entry with a new welcome mat.

Bottom Line

This list will get you started but a professional real estate expert will help you close the deal. Give Laura McCarthy or any of our agents a call at (201) 939-7500.



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foreclosure • foreclosures • kristen davis • market analysis • market update • Short Sales • January 5, 2023

Why There Isn’t A Flood of Foreclosures Coming

by ERA Justin

2022 saw big changes in the housing market, particularly in terms of borrowing money, but that doesn’t mean there is a crash coming.

“Thanks to record low interest rates over the pandemic years, homeowners could afford bigger mortgages to pay more than the asking price of a home,” says Kristen Davis, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.

“Now that things are returning to normal, some are concerned we could see a repeat of the bubble burst of 2008,” says Jennifer Darby Metzer, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin, “But there are no signs of that.”

That’s because there are some key differences between what’s happening today versus the early 2000s. One difference is: there are far fewer foreclosures on the market today and real estate experts do not predict a flood of foreclosures coming.

In 2008, over 9 million households lost their homes due to foreclosure or short sale. This was because more relaxed lending standards allowed people to take out mortgages they ultimately could not afford. This led to a wave of distressed properties making their way to market, which caused home values to plummet.

But today, revised lending standards are leading to more qualified buyers. Therefore there are fewer homeowners behind on their mortgage payments. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage delinquency is down to its lowest level since 1979.  

Forbearance programs from the height of the pandemic are also not causing any foreclosures today. “During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause payments due to unemployment or a downturn in pay,” says Davis. “There was fear that could cause a wave of new foreclosures. But that also has not materialized.” 

Foreclosures are currently at pre-pandemic numbers, and still far below 2008. Which brings us to another big difference: Equity. Homeowners today have more equity in their homes, which means they can afford to tap that money instead of giving up and foreclosing.

If you’re interested in buying but could use some guidance on the current state of the market, Kristen Davis or any of the experienced agents at ERA Justin can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.



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award • award winners • Fara Espandi • top agent • top agents • Top producer • top producers • top realtors • December 29, 2022

Fara Espandi Named 2022 Top Agent at ERA Justin Realty 

by ERA Justin

Sales Associate Fara Espandi has been named Top Agent at ERA Justin Realty for the year 2022.

 

Espandi received the honor by both selling the most units and earning the highest volume in sales in the company this past year.

 

“I am so honored to be recognized for this,” said Espandi, “I would like to give big thanks to all of my buyers, sellers, landlords, friends and family who supported me and helped me achieve my goals this year.”

 

Espandi started her career in real estate 25 years ago in 1997. Fara has been a member of NJ Realtor Circle of Excellence since 2000.  She is also a lifetime member of the  New Jersey Association of Realtors’ Distinguished Sales Club.

 

“Fara is a ‘people person’ and it shows in how she helps her clients obtain their real estate goals and dreams,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “It is this commitment to the community that helped her become the top producing agent at ERA Justin Realty in 2022.”

 

“Realtors don’t just sell homes. We hold your hand and help you mentally move on to the next phase of your life,” says Espandi. “It isn’t just selling real estate, I provide the tools and expertise to make an emotional transaction as easy as I can for my client. In the year ahead, I look forward to serving my clients and helping them through what can be a stressful but exhilarating time in their lives. ”

 

To see how Fara Espandi can help you with your real estate questions or needs, call us at 201.939.7500 or stop by our new location 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

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home buyer tips • Kaitlyn Baco • mortgage • mortgage rates • renters become buyers • renters to buyers • why not own it • December 22, 2022

Questions Homebuyers Should Ask Themselves

by ERA Justin

To buy? Or not to buy? You may be asking yourself those questions right now. 

But they aren’t the only questions you should be asking yourself when thinking about homeownership.

Consider these:

“Where do I think home prices are heading?”

While it is true that rising interest rates are bringing home prices down, the drop is actually the leveling off of an overheated market. And the downward trend is not expected to last.

“The majority of real estate experts are projecting home values will appreciate about 2% in 2023,” says Kaitlyn Baco, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty.  The Home Price Expectation Survey of more than 100 economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists, backs this up. It predicts home prices will continue to increase up to 4% appreciation by the year 2026.

“Where do I think mortgage rates are heading?”

The average 30 year mortgage rate is over 7% now, and most lenders agree they could continue to rise over the next three months. “While mortgage rates are expected to continue to drift higher over the coming months,” says Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American “much of the rapid increase in rates is likely behind us.” 

And you don’t have to keep your interest rate high forever. “You marry the house, but date the rate!” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Unlike home prices, you’re not locked into a mortgage rate forever. When mortgage rates drop back down – which they always do – that’s when you swap out your mortgage and refinance a new one.” 

“Why not keep renting?”

Rents are also on the rise. 

“You never get your rent money back. Your landlord keeps it,” says Baco, “Whereas with a mortgage, a big chunk of your monthly payment goes to your principal, all money you make back when you sell.”

Bottom Line

Instability in the world and higher inflation are what’s driving the rising interest rates, but rates are cyclical. They won’t stay high forever. However, home prices are expected to grow. Which is why homeownership has long been a worthwhile investment. 

If you’re on the fence about whether to buy, talk out your options with an experienced real estate agent like Kaitlyn Baco by calling 201-935-7500.



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Four Things That Determine Mortgage Rates

by ERA Justin

If you’re looking to buy a home but are concerned about rising mortgage rates, hopes of homeownership are not lost! 

“Remember, the super low interest rates of a year ago were an anomaly,”says Julia Dagistanli, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “What we are seeing now is a return to normal.”

There are ways to combat today’s higher rates and lock in the lowest one you can. An experienced lender can help you find the best options. Here are a few factors to focus on:

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in the amount of your mortgage rate. “Your score essentially tells lenders whether you can be trusted with their money,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “The higher your score, the safer it is to bet on your ability to pay your loan back. A lower interest rate could be your reward for always paying your credit card bills on time.” 

If you need help improving your score, a trusted financial advisor can advise you.

Your Loan Type

Mortgages are not one size fits all. There are various types, offering different terms for different buyers. 

“There are FHA loans for first time homebuyers. There are VA loans for veterans,” says Dagistanli. “Talk to your lender. You may be eligible for a special rate or a lower down payment.”

Your Loan Term

Another factor to consider is the term of your loan, which is how long you have to repay it in full. “A 30 year mortgage is the one you hear about the most,” says Darby Metzger, “But a 15, 20 or 25 year term may be better for you. Plus a shorter term could add up to less money paid in interest over the life of your loan.”

Your Down Payment

If you are a current homeowner looking to sell, you can use the equity you have in your current home to buy your next one.The more money you put down, the smaller your mortgage, the more you save in interest. “If you can put down more than 20%, a lender sees you as a safe bet,” says Dagistanli. “And you will usually get a lower interest rate.”

Bottom Line

Knowing what you can and can not control is key to obtaining the best mortgage rate. The best thing to do is have a team of professionals at your side. Contact Julia Dagistanli or any of the experienced agents at ERA Justin by calling 201-935-7500. 



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Uncategorized • December 1, 2022

Rutherford’s 70th Annual Holiday Parade Grand Marshal Ron Darby

by ERA Justin

The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 70th annual holiday parade this weekend and ERA Justin Company Broker Owner Ron Darby is honored to have been chosen Grand Marshal to celebrate this long standing Rutherford tradition.

Ron Darby started his career in the music business, recording some of the early works of Jimi Hendrix. He also managed the Rivoli Theater in Rutherford where he met the sweetest candy girl, Gloria. They married in 1967 and had 3 children, William, Jennifer, and Stephanie, all, who coincidentally, have also carved their careers in real estate.. 

Ron began his real estate career in 1967 with K Realty, overseeing two Rutherford offices as well as offices in Lyndhurst, North Arlington, and a location in South Jersey. Just a few years later, Ron partnered with Justin Tokarski, a former Rutherford Mayor, and a new era of Justin Realty ( a long standing company established in the 1950s ) was born. The successful duo cemented their home base in Rutherford at 300 Union Avenue and years later transformed an original Rutherford shopping complex into their home at 118 Jackson Ave. Justin Realty then joined the ERA Real Estate national franchise, and is now celebrating over three decades with ERA. 

After graduating from college, Ron’s daughter, Jennifer Darby Metzger, joined the family business as a real estate professional in 1997. After several years as an agent, Jennifer bought out the Tokarski family, making ERA Justin Realty truly family-owned. In the past thirty-five years, ERA Justin Realty has been listed as a ‘Top-100’ ERA firm worldwide, has been the recipient of the ‘ERA Commitment to Excellence’ award, a finalist in the prestigious Gene Francis Memorial Award and in 2019, Ron was inducted into the ERA Hall of Fame. His passion for real estate, community, and family have always been, and continue to be, his driving force. He has had the pleasure of being a leader and mentor to many. In regards to his work, Ron agrees that, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” “That’s why after being in this business for over 55 years, I’m still ‘working’. It’s a part of life for me.” ERA Justin Realty has recently relocated and extensively renovated its new home at 46 Chestnut Street, Rutherford. The company has been a staple in the community for over 55

years and looks forward to being a part of it for many more to come.

Make sure to catch the parade this Saturday, November 26th, starting at 4PM at Union School, winding up in front of the library for the holiday tree lighting!!



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Uncategorized • November 17, 2022

Supporting Your Local Businesses

by ERA Justin

Supporting small businesses is an extremely important part of setting our community up for success. Local businesses strengthen our economy, provide jobs to our friends and neighbors, reduce environmental impact, and do so much more to benefit the towns and neighborhoods we live in. Wondering the best way that you can support local businesses? See our suggestions below: 

  • Shop Local This Holiday Season 

“You can‘t buy happiness, but you can buy local and that’s kind of the same,” – Author Unknown. Whether you’ve already made your holiday wish list or are just beginning to wrap your mind around holiday planning, make the conscious effort to shop locally this season. This magical time of year positions us with an excellent and unique opportunity to support our local shops and owners through purchases and recommendations to friends and family. 

Instead of supporting large corporations, consider heading to your favorite local spots to pick curated gifts for your loved ones. For example, grab a gift card from one of our favorite local businesses, Jennifer Layne Acupuncture & Wellness, and give the gift of rest and relaxation this year.

  • Leave Positive Reviews 

If you have had a great experience with a small, local business – make sure to share it! Reviews and customer testimonials go a long way to grow a brand and its reputation within the community. A higher number of reviews increases a business’ online presence and visibility and helps to expose it to new customers. While leaving a review only takes a couple minutes of your time, it makes a long-lasting impact on any business. 

Extend the practice of leaving reviews beyond the internet through word-of-mouth recommendations. Sharing your favorite local spots with your network serves as a powerful tool that is sure to help a small business grow. 

  • Support on Social Media 

Get social with your support! One of the best ways to support a business is through engagement on their social media pages. This provides you a direct line to the business, where you can share your enthusiasm and encouragement of the brand. 

Give your favorite local businesses a follow, engage with their content via likes and comments, and share their posts with your own followers. 

“From one local business to another, our team at ERA Justin Realty knows how important it is to support and uplift the incredible members and businesses within our local community and so greatly appreciate when our clients and friends do the same for us,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “These businesses are owned and operated by our neighbors, family, and friends. They do so much to help our community and deserve all of our support in return!”


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charity • toy collection • Toys for tots • November 10, 2022

ERA Justin Realty Collects Toys for Tots

by ERA Justin

ERA Justin Realty is once again partnering with Toys for Tots to collect gifts for children in need this holiday season. 

The campaign kicks off on Thursday, November 10th and continues through Friday December 2nd, which is the final day for drop off at ERA Justin’s new location at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford.

“Toys for Tots helps give children in need the magic of the holidays,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “We’re so happy to participate in this terrific program for the fourth year in a row.” 

Toys for Tots is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The organization marked the milestone with a new commemorative logo.  The designer of the chosen logo, which is seen on all of this year’s collection boxes, is ERA Central Realty Group’s in-house graphic artist, Suzi Kelly.

“It’s an honor to represent the Toys for Tots program. My daughter is a Marine and Toys for Tots has been an important effort for our family and ERA for many years,” said Kelly, “Incidentally, Walt Disney designed the iconic Toys for Tots logo, so my work is in excellent company.”

Established in 1947, Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere community charity program. The non-profit has hundreds of local toy collection and distribution programs in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., Guam, The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This past year, Toys for Tots distributed 19 million toys to more than 7 million children in need.

Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at ERA Justin’s office at 46 Chestnut Street in Rutherford. A drop-off box will be available near the front desk. 

If you shop online, you can also help ERA’s Toys for Tots drive by purchasing toys through AmazonSmile.com and choosing Toys for Tots as the designated charity. A small portion of each purchase will be donated on behalf of Amazon directly to Toys for Tots at no additional cost. All purchases should be shipped to 46 Chestnut Street, Rutherford, NJ 07070. Please shop early to ensure that all purchases are delivered to this location by December 2nd. 

The entire team at ERA Justin Realty is thankful for your support and generosity this holiday season!

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Home selling • Homebuying FAQ • homeownership • housing market • Joana Ilescu • Joana Iliescu • mortgage • mortgage rates • November 3, 2022

Rising Mortgage Rates: 3 Things Buyers Can Do

by ERA Justin

Mortgage rates jumped again. They’re now over 6%, for the first time in 2008. That’s more than double the 2.86% it was this time last year.

But this doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of homeownership. There are things homebuyers can do to offset the higher interest rates.

 

Expand Your Search Area and Criteria

 If you have been searching for a home in a city or a specific area that is starting to feel out of your price range, you may want to expand your search radius to include more affordable areas. 

“Just a few miles farther away from a city can add up to major savings in home prices,” says Joana Iliescu, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Plus, chances an up-and-coming neighborhood on the outskirts of town will be the next hot spot in a few years. That will make you money when you sell or create equity.”

You could also take another look at your wish list and narrow things down. “Do you still need a home office?” asks Iliescu, “You may not as more companies are returning to office buildings. Scratching that off your list could make the difference.”

 

Explore Alternative Financing

 Mortgages are not one size fits all. There are a variety of options ranging from different loan types to varying down payment minimums. An experienced loan officer can find the right mortgage for you. “Don’t just choose a loan for yourself online,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Any of our sales agents can personally introduce you to a lender who knows the ins and outs of the business and potentially save you a lot of money in the long run.”

 

Look for Grants, Gifts & Down Payment Assistance

For many would-be first-time homeowners, coming up with a 20% down payment is daunting. What many don’t know is: You don’t need a full 20%. And the money doesn’t have to come from your own savings.

“There are numerous grants and other options to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of home ownership,” says Iliescu. “A good place to check is DownPaymentResource.com. There are special benefits for people in certain professions like veterans, teachers, doctors and nurses. And your personal lender could know of even more that come from local governments and other non-profit organizations.”

 

Bottom Line

If the fear of rising mortgage rates has you pushing pause on home search, it’s time to press play again. Get back in the game and see what you can achieve. Joana Iliescu or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Call us at 201-939-7500.



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1st 3 quarters winner • 1st 3 quarters winners • 2022 q3 leaders • Carol Calamari • Carol D. Calamari • Catherine Nimmo • catherine vick • Cathy Vick • Cathy Vick Julia Dagistanli. • Danielle Sette • Fara Espandi • Julia Dagistanli • lee schilare • October 27, 2022

ERA Justin Announces Q3 Leaders

by ERA Justin

ERA Justin Realty Co is proud to announce its 2022 Leaders Award winners for the third quarter of the year. The winners are: Fara Espandi, Danielle Sette, Jessica Davidson, Carol D. Calamari, Cathy Vick, Lee Schilare, Julia Dagistanli & Catherine Nimmo.

“Despite the ever-changing real estate market, these agents are consistently positive,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty Company. “That positivity shows not only in their sales, but in the satisfaction of their clients.”

The ERA Justin Leaders Award recognizes agents who meet and exceed their goals and the company’s goals on a monthly basis. 

“I look forward to watching the continuing growth of these women, as well as our whole team,” says Metzger. “I expect we will all thrive in our own new space at 46 Chestnut Street.”

ERA Justin is a leader in Southern Bergen County residential real estate. With more than 30 trained and experienced real estate professionals going beyond expectations to meet their clients’ needs, ERA Justin is the ideal spot to begin a location transition. 

To reach Fara, Danielle, Jessica, Carol, Cathy, Lee, Julia, Catherine or any of ERA Justin’s real estate professionals, call 201-939-7500 or visit their 46 Chestnut Street or 57 Park Avenue locations, both in Rutherford, New Jersey. Visit www.erajustin.com to see current listings.



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© ERA 2023 - 2024. All rights reserved. ERA® and the ERA Logo are registered service marks owned by ERA Franchise Systems LLC. ERA Franchise Systems LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to ERA Franchise Systems LLC nor any of its affiliated companies