Catherine Nimmoinflationmortgage July 14, 2022

Homeownership Helps Battle Rising Inflation

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’re no doubt aware of rising inflation. The price of pretty much everything is up, from food to gas to homes.

“The inflation rate is the highest it’s been in more than 40 years, and you’re likely feeling the pinch,” says Catherine Nimmo, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “You may be re-evaluating big purchases. But if you’re a renter considering buying a home, you may not want to wait.”

Owning a home can actually help you fight the rising costs that come with inflation by stabilizing one of your biggest monthly expenses: housing.

“If you’re a renter, your landlord can raise your rent in order to cover their own rising costs,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “If you buy a house, your mortgage payment will stay the same every month and every year. Then, you get your principal money back and more when you sell. You never get your rent back.”

While it’s true that housing prices are currently high, mortgage rates are still historically low. “When you have a fixed rate mortgage on your home, it’s locked for 15 to 30 years,” adds Nimmo. “That’s certainly not the case for renters who often have to move to save money. And moving isn’t cheap either.”

Even if your taxes and utility bills go up with rising inflation, knowing your monthly mortgage payment will stay the same can help keep your budget in check. 

Plus, your home’s worth will appreciate as time goes on. “During inflationary times, you want to be invested in an asset like a home which will outperform inflation in the long run, and typically holds or grows in value,” says Darby Metzger. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices have outperformed the average inflation rate in most decades going back to the 1970s.

If you’ve been thinking of buying a home this year, it makes sense to act soon, even with inflation rising. Home prices will continue to go up. Once you own, your home’s appreciation will grow your equity and net worth.  Ready to get started? Catherine Nimmo or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help you. Call us at 201-939-7500.



Carol CalamariCarol D. Calamarimovingmoving tipspets July 7, 2022

Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home is not just stressful for you, it can also be stressful for your pets. Here are some tips to help moving with your four-legged friends as easy as possible.

Prepare Your Pet

Pets can sense when change is afoot,” says Carol D. Calamari, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. Help them prepare by bringing something from the new house to the old house, if possible. Let your pet get used to the new home’s unique smell.

Go For a Walk

Bring your dog with you on a trip to the new neighborhood. Let him walk and sniff around, get acclimated to his new surroundings.

Pet Carriers

Help cats and dogs get used to their carriers. Take it out, leave the door open, put treats inside – try to make it a positive place to be. Once your pet is used to being inside, carry it around the house or go for some short car rides.

Air Travel

Crates are required for plane travel. “Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, rabies tags, and your new address,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty.

Moving Day

It’s hard to keep a pet inside when the front door is open all day. To make sure they don’t escape, take Fido to a trusted friend’s house or keep Fluffy in an empty bedroom or bathroom with food, water, and a fresh litter box until it’s time to leave.

The New House

Once the movers are gone, resist the temptation to set your cat or dog loose. “New, unfamiliar spaces can be overwhelming to pets,” says Calamari. Take them on a personal tour, then set them up in their own special area with all their food and toys.

Settling In

Let your dog or cat slowly venture out on their own to explore and smell everything in your new home. Don’t be surprised if your cat hides for a few days, this is normal cat behavior as they get used to new surroundings. Move its litter box to its permanent place slowly over time.

With some planning, moving with a pet can be an exciting experience for every member of your family. ERA Justin can help. Contact Carol D. Calamari or any of our agents by calling 201-939-7500.



Antonella Dinninobuying a homebuying is cheaper than rentingrenterrentersrenters become buyersrenters to buyersRight time to buywhy not own it June 30, 2022

Freedom from Renting

Owning is cheaper than renting in most of the country. According to a new report from ATTOM Data, owning a median-priced home is more affordable in 58% of the 1100 counties surveyed than the average rent on a three-bedroom home. “Home ownership still remains the more affordable option for average workers in a majority of the country because it still takes up a smaller portion of their pay,” says Todd Teta, Chief Product Officer at ATTOM Data.

 “This means in all of these places, renters shelled out more every month on rent alone than their home-owning neighbors did on their monthly mortgage payments plus other ownership expenses,” says Antonella DDininno, “And what’s even worse, renters will never see that money again. Homeowners do when they sell.”

 Rents are expected to keep climbing in 2022, and landlords will pocket that extra money. “The big difference between renting and owning is, when you rent you’re funding your landlord’s investment strategy, not your own,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty.

 When you buy a home, your monthly mortgage payment works like a forced savings account. Over time, as you pay down your loan and as home values rise, you build equity (and by extension, your own net worth).

 According to the latest data from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $56,700 in equity over in 2021, a number that continues to grow as home values appreciate. “This should give Millennials and Gen Z buyers peace of mind that investing in real estate is worthwhile,” says Dininno. “We’ve lived through a time that has truly changed our needs and who we are, and as a result, homeownership has a whole new meaning for many of us,” adds Darby Metzger.

 If you’re looking for freedom from renting this Independence Day,  it’s important to look at the full picture. Antonella Dininno or any of the seasoned professionals at ERA Justin Realty can help you explore your options. Call us at 201-939-7500.

 

 

 

home ownershiphomeownershipInvestment real estatereal estate decisionssanela lindovTypes of real estate June 23, 2022

The Perks of Owning More Than One Home

The coronavirus pandemic changed many things over the past couple of years and real estate is no exception. One apparent change is the increased desire to own more than one home. “It has a lot to do with remote working,” says Sanela Lindov, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “Now that employees are not tied to a commute in one metro area, they feel free to work from a second home farther away.” The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing backs this up. Its recent Luxury Market Report says: “As trends such as remote working and flexi-hours took hold in 2021, so did the flexibility of relocating and the as well as the growth of second homeownership.” “The pandemic changed the way we use our homes,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “They’re not just where we lay our heads. They can now be our workplaces and our getaways at the same time.”

 If you are lucky enough to be able to afford a home away from home, here are a few perks you will enjoy:

 

A Change in Scenery

When you have two homes in different climates you can alternate between them as the weather changes.

 Build Your Wealth Faster

Home equity is skyrocketing thanks to rising home prices. The average homeowner gained more than 50k in equity last year. Yours could be double that with two homes.

 Be Closer to Loved Ones

The pandemic showed many the importance of being near our loved ones. A second home could be closer to the people who matter most, making it easier to see them while having your own space.

 Lock in Your Expenses

Taking advantage of today’s low interest rates will help in the long run if you’re looking ahead to retirement.

 

Having multiple homes has considerable benefits. If you are considering buying a second home, Sanela Lindov or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Contact us by calling 201-939-7500.

InvestmentInvestment real estatereal estatereal estate investingreal estate marketRosemarie ZembryskiRosemary Zembryski June 16, 2022

Real Estate Voted Best Investment 8 Years in a Row

Owning real estate is still the best bang for your buck. According to an annual Gallup poll, Americans say real estate is overall the best long-term investment they can make… beating out stocks, gold, and savings, yet again. This is the eighth year in a row that Americans chose real estate as their top investment vehicle in this particular poll.

 “If you’re thinking about buying your first home this year,” says Rosemarie Zembryski, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “polls like this should assure you that you’re making the right decision.”

 Owning a home particularly helps as inflation is rising to a 40 year high.. “When you buy a house, you lock in your mortgage rate,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “That means that even as your other bills are going up, your monthly mortgage payment will stay the same. And it will feel pretty low after 15 or 30 years!”

 Plus, when inflation rises, so does the value of your home. “That means, you’ll make a nice profit should you choose to sell,” says Zembryski, “Tangible assets like houses become more valuable over time.” Renters get none of these benefits. As inflation rises, so does their rent, even if their landlord’s mortgage payment doesn’t change.

 Housing is always a strong investment, but particularly when inflation is high. If you are ready to give up renting and lock in a steady mortgage payment Rosemarie Zembryski or any of the agents at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at 201-939-7500.

 

buy a housebuy vs rentbuyer qualificationsbuying is cheaper than rentingfirst home tipsfirst time buyerfirst time buyersFirst Time Homebuyer tipsFirst-time buyer questionsMichelle Korosy June 9, 2022

Truths Young Homebuyers Need To Know  

For many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. If you’re interested in buying but aren’t sure where to begin, here are three key concepts about homeownership you should understand before you get started.

You don’t have to put 20% down.

Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles for first-time homebuyers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. “So many people think you need to put 20% down, but that simply isn’t true,” says Michelle Korosy, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “Having more cash to put down helps in a tight market, but younger buyers often put down less. The ‘20% down payment’ is a myth.” According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) the median down payment for homes purchased between July 2019 and July 2020 was only 12%. And that’s the overall average for all ages. When narrowed down to only buyers between ages 22 and 30, the percentage was only 6% down.

You may be able to afford more than you think.

“Some young homebuyers think they can’t afford a home that has everything they want, so they continue renting instead,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. This mindset could mean missing out on the long-term benefits of owning a home. “They often underestimate how much home values can appreciate,” adds Darby Metzger, “They get back their mortgage payments and more when they sell. By renting they’re essentially just paying someone else’s mortgage.”

Homeownership Will Cost More the Longer You Wait

Finally, with mortgage rates starting to rise along with home prices, putting off buying a home now could cost you much more later. “The higher the rate, the bigger your monthly payment,” says Korosy. “If you’re on the fence about buying, there’s no better time than the present.”

If you want to buy but feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Call Michelle Korosy or any of the sales agents at ERA Justin at (201) 939-7500 to talk more about the process, what you’ll need to start your search, and what to expect.

 

agent tipsMary Iannacconesell a housesell your homesellersellersSellingselling your home June 2, 2022

Sellers Win When Inventory Is Low

In today’s housing market, there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. This gives sellers a significant advantage. Here’s why you will have the upper hand if you sell this season:

Higher Prices

“Homebuyers are frequently getting into bidding wars,” says Mary Iannaccone, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “and that’s really driving prices up.” According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are receiving an average of 3.7 offers in today’s market. As a seller, this works to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.

 Greater Return on Your Investment

Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which increases the equity you have in your home. According to CoreLogic’s Homeowner Equity Insights Report the average homeowner gained approximately $51,500 between the 2nd quarter of 2020 and the 2nd quarter of 2021.  “This means if you sell now you will have more money to put down as a down payment on your next house,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “Or you can bank it and borrow more at a low interest rate.”

 Better Terms

In a sellers’ market like we have today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you make a move. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally land their dream home.

 So, is low housing inventory a big deal?

Yes, especially if you want to sell on your terms. Moving now while inventory is so low is key to maximizing your opportunities.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, call Mary Iannaccone or any of the agents at ERA Justin at 201-939-7500 to determine your best move.

 

Margaret McLaughlinPeggy McLaughlinsell a housesell your homeSellingselling your homesuccessful home saleunclutterWhat If I Need to Sell My Home Now May 26, 2022

Quick Tips To Sell Your House Fast  

Looking to sell your home fast? Here are some tips to help you get your home ready to sell quickly… and earn top dollar, too.

Declutter. Get rid of anything you don’t need. “A messy house can lead to lower offers,” says Peggy McLaughlin, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “That’s why it’s so important to declutter first.” Clear all clutter off all surfaces and organize storage areas. Sell or donate any unneeded items.

Clean. You will need to deep clean everything from the kitchen counters to window sills and baseboards to the inside of your closets. “A clean home shows buyers the house has been well cared-for,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty. Hire a professional if necessary.

Make the house impersonal. Take down your family photos. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your house, not you. “Buyers are turned off by houses that are too personalized,” says McLaughlin. “So, it’s also a good idea to pack up anything that might be considered polarizing: unusual artwork, religious icons, or any political statements.”

Repairs. Take care of any obvious repairs before you list. “Why would anyone want to buy a house with a leaking roof?” asks Darby Metzger. “This goes for the little things you’ve been putting off, too. Taking care of them will make the difference between a good offer and a disappointing one.”

Curb appeal. First impressions matter. That’s why curb appeal is so important. “Make the first sight of your house count by freshening up the paint and landscaping,” says McLaughlin. “Make it look inviting.”

Always be available for viewings. If a potential buyer wants to see your house on short notice, make it happen. “Missing a showing could mean missing out on a sale,” says Darby Metzger.

Hire a real estate agent.

“The fact of the matter is, a real estate agent will sell your home faster and at a higher price than if you try going it alone,” says McLaughlin. “Use their knowledge to your advantage.”

Local agents know your area’s market trends. To find out what’s selling and what’s not, call Peggy McLaughlin or any of ERA Justin Realty’s sales associates at 201-939-7500.

 

 

 

buyerbuyer qualificationsbuying a homehome affordabilityhome buyer tipshome buying tipsHomebuying FAQhomeownershiplee schilareLibera Lee SchilareLibera Schilarereal estate decisions May 19, 2022

Tips for Solo Homebuyers

If you’re living on your own and looking to buy a home, know that you can make your dream a reality with thoughtful planning and the right team of experts.  

“The number of sole-person households has nearly doubled the past 40 years,” says Libera “Lee” Schilare, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty, “and that’s expected to continue as more and more young people are buying homes on their own.” Here are some tips for solo buyers.

Credit Score  

“To qualify for a loan, lenders will look at just one credit score. Yours,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner at ERA Justin Realty, “So it needs to be in great shape.” Meet with a lender to find out how much you can afford and get pre-approved for a loan before you start going to open houses.”

Down Payment Options

Despite common belief, you do not need to put 20% down to buy a house,” says Schilare, “That’s a myth. Few people put 20% down anymore, especially younger first-time homebuyers.” Your real estate agent or mortgage lender will work with your budget or see if you’re eligible for down payment assistance programs.

Budget

Start monitoring how much you spend on what and create a monthly budget,” says Darby Metzger, “A professional real estate agent can help you determine what type of home is best for you based on how much you can budget for housing.”

Daydream

“Take some time to daydream about your future home. Where is it? What does it look like? What do you need out of it?” says Schilare. “Is being close to work important? How about your hobbies? Do you need a home office or extra guest bedroom? What about space for entertaining?  Really take the time to think about your lifestyle and how your home will enhance it.”

Go For It

Buying a home solo can feel like a big challenge, but it doesn’t have to be,” says Darby Metzger, “Lean on the professionals. They will make sure you’re taking advantage of all the great opportunities in today’s market, like low mortgage rates, and buy your dream home.”

If you’re looking to buy a home on your own, be confident that the dream is achievable. Contact Lee Schilare or any agent at ERA Justin Realty by calling 201-939-7500.

 

 

 

agentagent career opportunitiesagentsERA JustinERA Justin Realty agentLaura McCarthyreal estate agentreal estate careerreal estate career opportunitiesRutherfordRutherford NJRutherford real estatesales associatesalesperson May 12, 2022

Laura McCarthy Joins ERA Justin Realty’s Family of Real Estate Professionals

ERA Justin Realty is thrilled to announce that our exceptional community of agents is growing with the addition of new Sales Associate Laura McCarthy. Laura is a lifelong resident of Bergen County. She was raised in Rutherford and attended Rutherford public schools, as did her four children, Chris, Jack, Caroline, and Katie.

Laura has long been familiar with ERA Justin Realty and is honored to join the team. “I chose to join ERA Justin Realty,” says Laura, “because of its reputation as a respected, knowledgeable, and friendly team.” Laura fits right in, priding herself on her honesty, integrity and role in the community as an upstanding citizen. She is a member of the Rutherford High School PTA and a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church. She is also a volunteer with the Girls Scouts and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Laura’s background is in business. She is a graduate of Rutgers College and Rutgers University’s School of Business. Before turning to real estate, Laura spent 20 years working in client services. Laura’s business and service skills will come in handy while helping home sellers and buyers complete their transactions.

“My clients’ needs and best interests are at the heart of everything I do,” says Laura.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to the ERA Justin family,” says Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Co-Owner of ERA Justin Realty, “Her knowledge of the Rutherford area and schools is invaluable to both new families looking to settle in town and empty nesters looking to hand over their longtime homes to a new generation.”

While not showing houses, Laura is most often found spending time with her family, gardening, working out and cheering on the Rutherford Bulldogs.

If you are looking for a motivated, self-starting agent with longtime roots in the Rutherford area, contact Laura or any of our experienced real estate professionals at ERA Justin by calling 201.939.7500.